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Greece has moved an undisclosed number of Patriot missile systems to the Souda Bay naval base in Crete to protect American military assets as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
The defensive deployment comes as U.S. military activity has increased in the region following recent developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is not "looking for a fight" with Iran but remains prepared to act if necessary.
American F-16 fighter jets have been temporarily stationed at the Crete base and other locations ahead of their planned deployment to Türkiye in early July for the large-scale Anatolian Eagle military exercise. However, current circumstances may force organizers to postpone or scale back the exercise.
The Patriot systems represent Greece's only anti-ballistic defense capability beyond its Air Force units, making them essential for protecting critical military infrastructure. The decision to deploy Patriots rather than Russian-made S-300 systems also stationed in Crete highlights operational concerns about the Russian equipment's readiness.
Greece's Defense Ministry does not consider Iran a direct threat to the country, but defense and political leaders held an emergency meeting Wednesday to assess how existing capabilities could be mobilized if circumstances require intervention.
The Souda Bay facility serves as both a Hellenic Navy installation and NATO base, positioning it as a strategic hub for alliance operations in the eastern Mediterranean. The base's enhanced air defense posture reflects broader regional security concerns as Middle East tensions continue to influence military planning across the region.
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