Nikos Dendias extends Patriot deployment in Saudi Arabia and visits Cyprus

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has announced several key developments following a meeting of the Government National Security Council (KYSEA). A primary decision is the one-month extension of the Greek military presence (ELDYSA) in Saudi Arabia. The Patriot missile battery stationed in the Yanbu region will continue to protect Saudi energy infrastructure from threats, including drones and ballistic missiles attributed to Iran and the Houthis. The deployment is being reviewed on a monthly basis to adapt to evolving geopolitical conditions.

Simultaneously, Dendias visited Nicosia to attend the 66th Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Cyprus. During his visit, he met with Archbishop George of Cyprus, expressing gratitude for the Church's support of the Greek Armed Forces, specifically noting the Archbishop's initiative to renovate the amphitheater at the Evelpidon Military Academy. Dendias reaffirmed Greece's unwavering support for Cyprus, stating, “Greece is and will be here,” and emphasizing that national security requires robust defense capabilities through the “Agenda 2030.”