Athens is adjusting its air defence planning, transferring a Patriot missile battery from Karpathos to Crete, specifically to Souda.
According to Parapolitika.gr, the transfer began in the early hours of Sunday morning and comes during a period of heightened alertness, following a Financial Times report saying Iran is examining possible scenarios for strikes against American targets in Cyprus and Bulgaria.
The report, however, makes clear that the existence of such plans does not mean a decision has been taken to carry them out, but rather that they form part of Tehran's preparations for the possibility of a new major American military operation against Iran.
According to defence sources cited by Parapolitika.gr, strengthening Souda's air defences is a central element of the planning, given the base's strategic importance. The American presence and the role of the facilities in the area make Souda a critical point in Greek defence planning against possible developments across the wider region.
The same sources say the transfer of the Patriot battery is aimed at strengthening the protection of infrastructure that supports allied operations and plays a significant role on NATO's southeastern flank.
