The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, had another communication today with his Bulgarian counterpart, Atanas Zapryanov, during which he informed him that Greece will provide every possible assistance for Bulgaria’s anti-ballistic protection against Iran.

According to Nikos Dendias, a PATRIOT missile battery is being transferred to Northern Greece, which will also cover a large part of Bulgaria. In addition, a pair of F-16 fighter jets has landed at an airport in Northern Greece with the exclusive mission of providing additional coverage for Bulgaria.

Συνομίλησα εκ νέου με τον Βούλγαρο ομόλογό μου κ. Atanas Zapryanov και τον ενημέρωσα ότι η Ελλάδα θα παράσχει κάθε δυνατή βοήθεια για την αντιβαλλιστική προστασία της Βουλγαρίας από το Ιράν.#Greece #Bulgaria pic.twitter.com/3SLkhp3TTV

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) March 6, 2026

It should be noted that the only Patriot batteries currently located in Northern Greece are in Sedes (Thermi) in Thessaloniki and Chrysoupoli in Kavala.

The F-16s may also be stationed in Kavala, as it is the closest military airport in the wider region.

Nikos Dendias’ statement following the communication with his Bulgarian counterpart

“I had communication yesterday and today with the Minister of Defence of Bulgaria, Atanas Zapryanov.

Following a relevant request from the Bulgarian side yesterday, I was able to inform him today that Greece will provide assets and personnel for the protection of Bulgaria.

Specifically, following a decision of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), within the next few hours a PATRIOT missile battery will be transferred to a suitable area in the northern part of Greek territory to provide anti-ballistic coverage for a large part of Bulgaria’s territory.

Additionally, a pair of F-16s will redeploy to an airport in Northern Greece with the exclusive mission of providing additional coverage for Bulgaria.

Furthermore, for effective coordination, two senior officers of the Hellenic Air Force will be sent to the Operations Center of the Bulgarian Armed Forces in Sofia.

I would like to make it clear that these actions were taken following a request from Bulgaria, a member state of NATO and the European Union, and that the anti-ballistic protection capability of Greek territory is not affected in the slightest.

Next week, following an invitation from my Bulgarian counterpart, I will visit Sofia.”

It is noted that the two ministers had also spoken yesterday to discuss ways of addressing the repercussions of the recent developments in Iran and the Middle East.

Mr. Dendias had underlined Greece’s readiness to assist, if necessary, in maintaining a sense of security in the wider region.