Greece will deploy a Patriot system and F-16 aircraft in the north of the country to protect Bulgaria from possible Iranian attacks.

The Greek Ministry of Defense has announced the deployment of a Patriot missile defense system and F-16 fighter jets to support Bulgaria in the face of Iranian threats. This decision was made following a request from the Bulgarian authorities. The Greek Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, informed his Bulgarian counterpart, Atanas Zapryanov, that Greece will provide resources and personnel for the protection of Bulgaria. A Patriot battery will be relocated to northern Greece, ensuring ballistic coverage for a large part of Bulgarian territory, and the F-16s will be stationed in the same region to provide additional protection.

This measure comes against the backdrop of tensions generated by the war in the Middle East, and the presence of American aircraft in Bulgaria has raised concerns. Greece has previously deployed Patriot systems and F-16s in Cyprus, and recently, NATO systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading towards Turkey. Iran has denied any involvement in the missile launch.