Greece is considering moving a Patriot air defence battery deployed on the island of Karpathos since March to the Souda military base on Crete.
The move is being considered following reports by the Financial Times that Iran may be weighing attacks on U.S. targets in Europe if Washington further escalates its military operations.
If Souda is assessed to face a significant threat, the Patriot battery could be relocated from Karpathos to strengthen air defences and provide wider protection for the facilities at the strategically important U.S. military base, the sources said.
Bulgaria request would be assessed by national security council
Meanwhile, Greek Defence Ministry sources said that any request from Bulgaria for Greek assistance in protecting its airspace with Patriot systems would be examined by the Government Council for National Security, known as KYSEA.
No decision has been taken to deploy Patriot systems to Bulgaria, and any such move would be assessed if Sofia submits an official request, the sources said.
Greek forces already deployed in Cyprus as part of existing defence plans will remain there, including four F-16 fighter jets and the frigate Nikiforos Fokas.
Athens is closely monitoring developments in the region as it adjusts its defence planning to the changing security environment caused by the escalation in the Middle East.
The protection of critical military facilities and infrastructure is among the priorities, with Souda considered a key strategic location because of the importance of the U.S. military base there.
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