A Greek-operated Patriot air defense system has intercepted drones over Saudi Arabia's Yanbu region, home to major oil refining facilities, according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
The Greek Patriot battery fired three missiles at what sources described as “a number of hostile drones.” The targets were brought down in coordination with Saudi air defense systems, although the exact number of drones intercepted and their origin were not disclosed.
The incident marks the fourth time Greek personnel have used the Patriot system to intercept drones over Saudi territory. The previous three interceptions took place in July.
On July 25, the Greek-operated Patriots shot down two drones in separate incidents in the Yanbu area. Those drones were reported to have originated from Yemen.
The Greek Patriot battery has been deployed in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under a bilateral agreement aimed at helping protect the kingdom's critical energy infrastructure, including facilities in the strategically important Yanbu region.
