Greece will extend air and missile defense coverage to neighboring Bulgaria by activating Patriot systems and deploying two F-16 fighter jets that will remain within Greek territory, a move officials say underscores Athens’ strategic role in security across Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The assistance to Bulgaria, a NATO ally and European Union partner, was announced Friday by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias after approval by the Government Council for National Security, known as KYSEA, under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Under the plan, the Greek Air Force’s long-range Patriot surface-to-air missile systems would provide anti-ballistic protection from Greek territory that can also cover parts of Bulgaria, while two F-16 aircraft could operate from the island of Lemnos.
Officials say the primary mission of the Patriot coverage would be to help shield critical Bulgarian energy infrastructure along the Black Sea coast from a potential attack by Iran.
Parts of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania fall within the potential range of Iran’s long-range ballistic missiles, including the Sejjil and Khorramshahr systems.
In Bulgaria, possible targets include US assets, as aircraft such as F-35 fighters, aerial refueling tankers and transport planes have previously been stationed at Sofia’s airport.
The Black Sea coastline also hosts major ports at Burgas and Varna, as well as three smaller but economically important natural gas fields – Galata, Kaliakra and Kavarna.
Bulgaria’s gas network is linked to two vertical corridors for natural gas transport, one from Greece and one from Turkey, while the port of Alexandroupoli has since 2022 handled the movement of thousands of NATO troops and weapons toward Bulgaria and Romania.
Greece and Romania are the only countries in Southeastern Europe that operate Patriot systems, giving Athens the capacity to support allies if they face threats.
Romania’s Patriots are oriented partly toward potential dangers from the Ukrainian front, where bombardments continue.
Greek Patriot units also contribute to wider allied defense during the current period of heightened tension in the Middle East.
They provide anti-ballistic protection across Greece, support allied forces around Souda Bay, and can assist other NATO positions within their operational range.
A Greek Patriot battery has also been deployed in Saudi Arabia since 2021 and is currently on alert as regional tensions remain elevated.