Dendias: We are sending Patriot missiles and F-16s to Northern Greece for anti-ballistic protection of Bulgaria from Iran

According to what Nikos Dendias stated, a PATRIOT battery is being transferred to Northern Greece that will also cover a large part of Bulgaria. In addition, a pair of F-16s landed at an airport in Northern Greece with the exclusive mission of providing additional coverage to Bulgaria.

It should be noted that the only Patriot batteries that exist in northern Greece are in Sedes tis Fermi in Thessaloniki and in Chrysoupoli in Kavala.

It is not ruled out that F-16s will also be stationed in Kavala, since it is the closest military airport in the wider region.

Nikos Dendias' statement after the communication with his Bulgarian counterpart
"I had communication yesterday and today with the Minister of Defense of Bulgaria, Atanas Zapryanov.

Following a relevant request from the Bulgarian side yesterday, I was able to inform him today that Greece will provide means and personnel for the protection of Bulgaria.

Specifically, following a decision by the KYSEA, a PATRIOT battery is being transferred, within the next few hours, to a suitable area, within the northern part of the Greek territory, for the anti-ballistic coverage of a large part of the territory of Bulgaria.

Also, a pair of F-16s are being relocated to an airport in Northern Greece, with the exclusive mission of providing additional coverage to Bulgaria.

Additionally, for effective coordination, 2 Senior Air Force Officers are being sent to the Operations Center of the Bulgarian Armed Forces in Sofia.

I want to make it clear that the above actions were taken at the request of Bulgaria, a member state of NATO and the EU, and do not in the least affect the ability to provide anti-ballistic protection for Greek territory.

Also, next week, at the invitation of my Bulgarian counterpart, I will visit Sofia.”

It is noted that the two ministers had also spoken yesterday to discuss ways to address the impacts of recent developments in Iran and the Middle East.

Mr. Dendias had underlined our country’s readiness to assist, if required, in maintaining a sense of security in the wider region.