Greece will maintain its Patriot missile battery in Saudi Arabia following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This decision comes in response to a Saudi request and underscores Greece’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s air defense capabilities.
During a meeting in Riyadh, Mitsotakis confirmed the continued deployment of the Greek missile battery, which has been stationed in Saudi Arabia since 2021. The battery has played a crucial role in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles targeting vital Saudi energy infrastructure in Yanbu and other areas. Mitsotakis condemned these attacks and expressed Greece’s ongoing support for Saudi security.
The leaders also used the occasion to reaffirm their strategic partnership and explore opportunities to expand cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, and digital connectivity. A key project discussed was the East to Med Data Corridor, which aims to enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Asia, utilizing Greece and Saudi Arabia as pivotal points.
Regional security was a significant topic of discussion, with particular attention given to developments concerning Iran. Both leaders stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation to ensure global trade remains uninterrupted. Mitsotakis emphasized that international shipping routes must remain open and secure.
The meeting also served as a platform for reviewing the Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation. The two leaders assessed the progress made since its first session in January 2025 and discussed preparations for its next meeting, further solidifying their bilateral ties.