Athens will deploy a Patriot missile defence system and F-16 fighter jets to help its northern neighbour, Bulgaria, counter potential Iranian attacks, the Greek Ministry of Defence said on Friday.
Following a request from Sofia, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias told his Bulgarian counterpart Atanas Zapryanov that Greece will provide “resources and personnel for the protection of Bulgaria.”
A Patriot battery will be relocated on Friday to a suitable area in northern Greece, providing anti-ballistic coverage for a large part of Bulgarian territory.
“Additionally, a pair of F-16s will be stationed at an airbase in northern Greece – with the sole mission of providing additional protection to Bulgaria,” the ministry said.
Bulgaria, a NATO member, has stated that it is not part of the US–Israel war against Tehran.
A missile or drone attack seems unlikely due to the long distance from Iran. However, the presence of American fighter jets in the country as part of joint NATO exercises has raised concern among the public amid Iranian attacks and threats to other countries.
Greece has already deployed Patriot systems and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus.
(cm)