Government spokesperson and Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Pavlos Marinakis, described the interception of two ballistic missiles by Greek Patriot systems in Saudi Arabia as a purely defensive action, rejecting claims that Greece is involved in the war in the Middle East.

“This is not a matter of involvement; it is a defensive action, an act of deterrence,” he said during a briefing with political editors, reiterating Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ position that the Greek battery demonstrates the combat readiness of the Armed Forces and the experience they have gained. He added that the Armed Forces, indirectly but clearly, help protect the standard of living of Greek and European citizens.

According to the government spokesperson, there was no offensive action by the Greek Patriots. Their participation in the operation “does not constitute either escalation or an attack. It was a defensive action.”

Mr. Marinakis also noted that the missile systems have been stationed there since 2021, as part of a bilateral agreement between Greece and Saudi Arabia. Their deployment followed a ceremony in Tanagra, attended by then Minister of National Defence Nikos Panagiotopoulos and then Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias.