Greece will maintain its Patriot missile battery in Saudi Arabia, following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This decision comes in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and underscores Greece’s commitment to supporting Saudi air defense capabilities.
During their meeting in Riyadh, Mitsotakis confirmed the continued deployment of the Greek missile battery, which has played a crucial role in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles targeting key Saudi energy infrastructure since its deployment in 2021. The Greek Prime Minister condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia and reiterated Greece’s ongoing support for the Kingdom’s security needs.
The leaders also emphasized their strategic partnership and discussed avenues for expanding cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, and digital connectivity. A significant focus was on the East to Med Data Corridor project, aimed at enhancing digital links between Europe and Asia through Greece and Saudi Arabia.
Regional security was another critical topic, with discussions touching on developments involving Iran and the necessity of safeguarding freedom of navigation. Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of keeping international shipping routes open and secure to ensure the smooth flow of global trade.
Additionally, preparations for the next meeting of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation were reviewed, with both leaders assessing the progress since its inaugural session earlier in January 2025. This ongoing collaboration reflects the deepening ties between the two nations amid shared regional and global challenges.