Patriot missile systems being moved to Souda base in Crete
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An undisclosed number of Greek Patriot missile systems are being relocated to the Hellenic Navy and NATO base at Souda Bay in Crete to provide anti-ballistic protection to American assets in the region.
There has been an increase in US military activity in the area following the escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict in recent days and as President Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated that the US is not “looking for a fight” with Iran, but is ready to act if necessary.
Several American F-16 fighter jets have already been temporarily stationed to the base in Crete, among other locations, ahead of their deployment to Turkey in early July for participation in the large-scale “Anatolian Eagle” exercise, though given current circumstances, the exercise may be postponed or pared down.
Greece’s Armed Forces have no other anti-ballistic capabilities beyond those provided by the Air Force’s Patriot systems. These systems, therefore, are being used to protect critical military infrastructure.
The deployment of the Patriot systems, rather than the Russian-made S-300s, also located in Crete, underscores the poor operational condition of the latter.
Greece’s Defense Ministry does not believe that Iran poses a direct threat to the country but an emergency meeting on Wednesday between the defense and political leadership addressed how existing defense capabilities could be mobilized if the need were to arise.Unmute
