Greek-operated air defense system shoots down missiles over Saudi Arabia, putting oil infrastructure risks back in focus

A Greek-operated Patriot air defense system intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen on July 25, targeting oil refineries in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. It’s the second time Greek personnel have used the system in combat this year. What happened in Yanbu The Patriot PAC-3 battery, manufactured in the US but operated by approximately 130 Greek military personnel, successfully neutralized two inbound ballistic missiles. The targets were oil refining facilities in Yanbu, a critical hub on Saudi Arabia’s western coast. This deployment traces back to a 2021 bilateral agreement between Greece and Saudi Arabia. The unit, known as ELDYSA, has been stationed in the kingdom since September 2021, tasked specifically with protecting vital energy infrastructure. The first combat engagement came on March 19, 2026, when the same system downed two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Saudi oil facilities. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias publicly confirmed that earlier interception. The July 25 event was reported by multiple Greek security sources and picked up by Reuters. During the March incident, the SAMREF refinery at Yanbu was among the targeted facilities. The broader geopolitical pic...