A Greek-operated Patriot air defence system in Saudi Arabia intercepted a swarm of drones near Yanbu, a region housing major oil refining facilities. This marks the third combat use of the system since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, highlighting European allies' expanding role in defending Gulf energy infrastructure.
The repeated use of the Greek air defence system in Saudi Arabia underscores the escalating regional tensions and the critical role of European allies in protecting vital energy infrastructure from drone and missile attacks originating from Yemen.
An air defence system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted a swarm of drones on Thursday in the Yanbu region, a critical area for oil refining facilities. This incident marks the third combat deployment of the Greek-operated system since the commencement of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, highlighting the increasing involvement of European allies in safeguarding energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
According to Greek security sources, the Greek Patriot system engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi air defence systems, launching three missiles. While the exact number of drones downed was not specified, the sources confirmed the successful interception. The Greek Patriot battery has been stationed in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under an agreement to bolster the kingdom's energy facility protection.
Further details from Greek military sources indicate that the drone and earlier missile threats originated from Yemen. The aerial attack on Saturday morning was reportedly aimed at a major oil refining complex near Yanbu. The Greek Patriot unit successfully neutralised two ballistic missiles and another drone earlier in the day, in addition to the drone intercepted later that afternoon.