Greek Defence Minister Dendias discusses future of Patriot batteries in Saudi Arabia

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias made a swift trip to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. The primary issue was the status of the Greek Patriot missile batteries deployed in Yanbu, which have been operating under a one-month extension approved by the Supreme Council for National Defence in September. Greece originally transferred the Patriot systems to Saudi Arabia in 2021 to bolster the kingdom’s air defence, and the force now includes 85 Greek Air Force staff.

Dendias also raised the broader Makkah agreement reached in August, involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, and its geopolitical implications. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis previously said Greece would recall the units if deemed necessary, but also indicated they could remain if strategic needs required. As of late Thursday night, no definitive outcome on the Patriots’ future had been disclosed.