Greek Patriot system intercepts drones over Saudi Arabia

An air defence system operated by Greek military personnel ​in Saudi Arabia intercepted a ‌swarm of drones on Thursday in the wider Yanbu region, home to major ​oil refining facilities, Greek security ​sources told Reuters.

It was the third ⁠time the Greek-operated system has ​been used in combat since the ​U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began, underscoring the widening military role of European allies in ​defending Gulf energy infrastructure.

"The battery ​engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi ‌air ⁠defence systems," one of the sources said, adding that the Greek Patriot system launched three missiles, without ​detailing the ​number ⁠of drones downed or their origin.

A second source confirmed ​the information.

Greece has deployed a ​U.S.-made ⁠Patriot air defence battery, operated by Greek personnel, in Saudi Arabia ⁠since ​2021 under an agreement ​to help protect the kingdom's energy facilities.

-Reuters