Greek Patriot battery intercepts threats in Saudi Arabia
On September 24, 2026, at 13:40, the Hellenic Force in Saudi Arabia (ELDYSA) successfully engaged and intercepted a ballistic missile and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The engagement involved the launch of two missiles by a Greek-operated Patriot air defense system. The operation took place near the Yanbu region, an area housing critical oil refining infrastructure, amidst broader alerts issued by Saudi civil defense across cities including Mecca, Jeddah, and Tabuk.
The Greek battery has been deployed in the kingdom since 2021 as part of the Integrated Air Missile Defense (IAMD) initiative to protect energy facilities. While some sources link the threats to Houthi forces, others note that this is the fifth time the battery has seen combat since the regional conflict involving Iran escalated in late February 2026. The personnel continue their mission as planned following the successful defense operation.
Reports confirm that two separate sources verified the interception, though specific details regarding the origin of the incoming projectiles remain officially unconfirmed by the operators.