Greek air defence intercepts drones over Saudi energy heartland

A Greek-operated air defence system intercepted a swarm of drones in the wider Yanbu region of Saudi Arabia, home to major oil refining facilities, Greek security sources told Reuters.

The incident marked the third time the Greek-operated system has been used in combat since the US-Israeli war on Iran began, highlighting the growing role of European allies in protecting critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

“The battery engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi air defence systems,” one of the Greek security sources said.

The source added that the Greek Patriot battery launched three missiles during the engagement but did not provide details on how many drones were intercepted or their origin.

A second Greek security source confirmed the incident.

Greece has maintained a US-made Patriot air defence battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021 under an agreement aimed at helping protect the kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure.

The Yanbu region is strategically important to Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and hosts major refining and industrial facilities. Any drone attack in the area could pose a potential threat to regional energy supplies and infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva