Patriot batteries from Karpathos and Didymoteicho return to their permanent bases, Greece’s National Security Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) decided on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the KYSEA meeting included a briefing on the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Iran and the Middle East by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
The meeting also discussed and approved Armed Forces’ armaments issues and the launch of implementation for the National Strategy for Unmanned Vehicles 2026-2030.
The patriot batteries were deployed in northern and south Greece with Didymoteicho in the North to have followed a relevant request by neighboring Bulgaria at the beginning of the war in the Middle East.
By decision of the KYSEA, the Patriot anti-aircraft system arrays are returning to their permanent bases
The temporary relocation of the “heavy artillery” of the Greek air defense had taken place in early March, in the midst of the war between the US-Israel and Iran.
The burden of the conflict in Iran, combined with the general instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the joint US-Israeli operations, led to a NATO request for immediate reinforcement of the anti-aircraft “umbrella”. It is worth noting that the array that had been deployed in Didymoteicho also covered Bulgaria’s air defense, satisfying a relevant request from Sofia.
The Patriot systems are a central pillar of protection for the Air Force. At the critical points where they were deployed, they provided increased capability to intercept aerial threats and long-range ballistic missiles, while simultaneously shielding critical infrastructure.
According to state broadcaster ERT, in addition to the restoration of the missile systems, important decisions were made regarding ongoing armament programs. At the same time, broader developments in the “burning” Middle East were on the table, as well as issues concerning Turkey.
Armament issues of the Armed Forces were discussed and approved, as well as the start of implementation of the National Strategy for Unmanned Vehicles 2026-2030.
According to media information:
– Turkey’s bill on the “Blue Homeland” and the unilateral extension of EEZ up to 200 nautical miles was discussed. Athens speaks of a unilateral decision and is monitoring developments. It points out that according to International Law it has no force.
– Greece decided to send an additional 13 M113 vehicles to Lebanon
– The “green light” was given for the upgrade of MEKO and the acquisition of two Italian Bergamini frigates.
– Discussions on Iran have progressed but there has been no convergence.
– The situation in Lebanon and the West Bank and yesterday’s attacks in the Emirates were discussed
It was decided to procure cryptographic devices for the Armed Forces’ communication systems.
KTG understands that the Patriots deployed in Saudi Arabia will remain there, at least currently.
