Greece will keep its Patriot missile battery deployed in Saudi Arabia for another month, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced after Greece's National Security Council (KYSEA) met under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
"We'll give it a one-month extension. I think the matter will be resolved with Saudi Arabia," Mr. Dendias told reporters outside the Maximos Mansion, according to state broadcaster ERT.
The council also approved contracts related to developing Greece's next-generation fighter jet program.
The Greek Patriot battery, deployed in Saudi Arabia for several years as part of defense cooperation between the two countries, has drawn scrutiny this year after Mr. Dendias confirmed it intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Saudi oil refineries, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers who argue the deployment risks entangling Greece in regional conflict.
During Thursday's council meeting, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis briefed officials on recent international developments, with particular focus on the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as Greece's agenda as it begins its presidency of the U.N. Security Council.
The council also discussed the deployment of Greek forces under existing international commitments.