Greece will deploy a Patriot missile defense system and F-16 fighter jets to help neighboring Bulgaria counter potential Iranian attacks.
This was reported by Euractiv, citing the Greek Ministry of Defense.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias informed his Bulgarian counterpart Atanas Zapryanov that, at Sofia’s request, Greece will provide “resources and personnel to protect Bulgaria.”
A battery of the MIM-104 Patriot missile defense system will be moved to an appropriate location in northern Greece, providing missile defense coverage for a significant part of the territory of Bulgaria.
“In addition, a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets will be stationed at an airbase in northern Greece with the sole purpose of providing additional protection for Bulgaria,” the Greek defense ministry added.
A missile or drone attack on Bulgaria appears unlikely due to the large distance from Iran. However, the presence of American fighter jets in the country as part of joint exercises with NATO has raised public concern amid Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in other countries.
