The Greek Armed Forces are on heightened alert amid the possibility of further military escalation in the Middle East and growing concern over potential Iranian reprisals against US military targets in Europe.
According to information reported by enikos.gr, an emergency decision by the Ministry of National Defence, coordinated with the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, will see a Patriot air-defence battery relocated from Karpathos to Crete.
Patriot battery to protect Souda base
The redeployment is intended to strengthen protection of the Souda base.
It follows reports that Tehran is considering expanding the scope of possible reprisals, with US military installations on European soil among the potential targets.
Greek forces remain reinforced in Cyprus
Regarding Cyprus, the same report says Greece continues to maintain a reinforced military presence, including a frigate and four fighter jets.
Plans have also been drawn up for further reinforcements should developments make them necessary, while the possibility of European assistance is being considered if the situation deteriorates.
Contingency plans involving Bulgaria
Plans also cover Bulgaria, which, according to the Financial Times, is among the countries where US targets could be under consideration by Tehran.
Greek Ministry of National Defence sources cited by enikos.gr said that, if Sofia submitted a request, a further deployment of a Patriot battery to Thrace could be considered.
Such a move would first require a decision by Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA).
