The Greek government has confirmed that it will send Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to Saudi Arabia under a program involving the US, Britain and France. Dozens members of the Hellenic Air Force will be posted in Saudi Arabia for as long as the missiles are operational.
, the government spokesman said Tuesday.
Athens will deploy the missiles at Saudi cost “to protect critical energy infrastructure,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Tuesday a day after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrapped up his visit in Riyad.
“The deployment contributes to energy security, promotes our country as a factor of regional stability and strengthens our ties to Saudi Arabia,” Petsas said. The relevant talks began last October, he added.
He did not give a date for the deployment.
The US, Britain and France are part of the same initiative and Italy is likely to join, the spokesman said.
“As a defensive system, this constitutes no threat to other countries in the area,” Petsas said.
Earlier this week Petsas said that “around 130 personnel” would accompany the missiles. According to some media, thought, around 80 members of the Greek Air Force will be posted in Saudi Arabia.
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