Greece is prepared to help defend Bulgarian airspace if Iran carries out an attack on US military facilities in Southeast Europe, according to Greek media reports citing sources from the Greek Defense Ministry.
Athens is considering deploying a Patriot air defense system near the Bulgarian border if Sofia requests assistance. The possible location is Didymoticho in northeastern Greece, close to Bulgaria. Greek sources stressed that any deployment would depend on a formal request from the Bulgarian side and would ultimately be a political decision by Athens.
The issue has gained attention in Bulgaria following Iranian threats against US military facilities in the region and Sofia's decision to allow American tanker aircraft to use Bezmer Air Base.
Greek authorities are reportedly examining several possible responses to the threats. One scenario would involve moving the Patriot system currently positioned on the island of Karpathos to Crete, where it could help protect the US Souda Bay air base.
Greece is also maintaining additional military assets for the protection of Cyprus. Four Greek F-16 fighter jets and the Greek Navy frigate Phokas remain deployed there.
