08.03.2026 08:31
As tensions rise in the Eastern Mediterranean following the US/Israel-Iran war, Greece, which has deployed Patriots to the island of Kerpe near Turkey and sent two frigates and four F-16s to Cyprus, has now announced that it will take over Bulgaria's air defense by deploying F-16 fighter jets and Patriot systems.
With the attacks of the USA and Israel on Iran, security activity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans has significantly increased. In response to the rising tensions in the region, the Greek government has taken new military steps both in the Aegean and the Balkans, while deployments in areas close to Turkey have drawn attention.
SCANDALOUS WORDS FROM THE GREEK MINISTER
In a statement regarding the developments in the region, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias expressed that the tension could be "an opportunity to remove the Turkish Army from Cyprus." This statement has sparked a new debate along the Ankara-Athens line, and the military steps taken by Greece have also come to the fore.
MILITARY ACTIVITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN IS INCREASING
Justifying the decision by citing an unmanned aerial vehicle that fell in Southern Cyprus, the Greek government decided to send two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to the island in a short time. This move has led to comments that military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean may increase.
On the other hand, it has also emerged that a Patriot air defense system has been deployed on Kerpe Island, which is about 50 miles from Turkey and should have a non-military status. This development has been evaluated as a significant step in terms of military balances in the Aegean.
IMPUDENT BULGARIA MOVE
The Athens government announced on Friday that it would contribute to Bulgaria's air defense. Accordingly, Greece plans to send Patriot air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets to Bulgaria. The Greek newspaper Ekathimerini reported the development with the headline "Greece's air defense shield expands to Bulgaria." The report stated that Greece would expand the scope of air and missile defense to Bulgaria by deploying Patriot systems and F-16 fighter jets.
THEY SEE WAR AS AN OPPORTUNITY AND PLAY WITH FIRE
As part of the plan, it was stated that Patriot systems belonging to the Hellenic Air Force would provide anti-ballistic protection in some regions of Bulgaria, while two F-16 fighter jets could participate in operations from Limni Island. Officials noted that the primary purpose of the Patriot systems is to protect Bulgaria's critical energy infrastructure on the Black Sea coast from potential attacks by Iran. It is stated that some regions of Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania fall within the potential range of Iran's long-range ballistic missile systems.
ENERGY AND MILITARY LOGISTICS ROUTES ARE STRIKING
While it is noted that possible targets in Bulgaria include US military assets, it is emphasized that F-35 fighter jets, tanker aircraft, and transport planes have previously been deployed at Sofia Airport. Energy and military logistics routes in the region are also noteworthy. Bulgaria's natural gas network is connected to two major natural gas corridors, one from Greece and the other from Turkey. Additionally, it is mentioned that the Port of Alexandroupoli has played a significant role in the transportation of NATO troops and military equipment to Bulgaria and Romania since 2022.
On the other hand, according to information obtained from security sources, it has been suggested that some steps have also been brought to the agenda on the Turkish side. Allegedly, various plans are being made to strengthen the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, one of which is the deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the island.