Greek-Operated Patriots Intercept Drones Near Saudi Oil Hub
A Patriot air defense system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted drones near Yanbu, a major oil refining center on the Red Sea. This marked the third time the Greek-operated system has been used in combat since the US-Israeli war with Iran began.
Greece has stationed the Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under an agreement to protect the kingdom's energy facilities. The system engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi air defense systems, firing three missiles but not revealing how many were shot down or their origin.
Yanbu is a key energy center on the Red Sea and home to major oil processing and export infrastructure. This incident highlights a growing European military role in safeguarding energy infrastructure in the region.