In response to a formal request from Abu Dhabi, Greece is set to bolster the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) defense capabilities by providing anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic munitions, according to reports from Kathimerini.
The move underscores the strengthening strategic alliance between the two nations, rooted in their 2020 mutual defense agreement.
This assistance mirrors a similar recent transfer of defensive materiel to Qatar, coordinated with U.S. authorities stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base. In both instances, Greek officials emphasized that the aid is strictly defensive, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure in the Gulf.
The mutual defense clause between Greece and the UAE
Central to this cooperation is Article 1 of the Greece-UAE agreement, which states that in the event of a threat to the security, sovereignty, or independence of either nation, both parties must consult immediately to undertake necessary measures.
Over the years, the UAE has provided the Hellenic Armed Forces with vital components and ammunition for the Navy and the Army’s Apache attack helicopters.
Is Greece an active participant in the Middle East war?
The Greek government insists that all military assistance to the UAE and Saudi Arabia is focused solely on defense. In March, a Greek Patriot PAC-3 battery in Saudi Arabia neutralized two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting critical energy infrastructure.
Despite government assurances that the action was a defensive one, the opposition warned that the interception was dragging Greece into the Middle East War.
Main opposition, PASOK, issued a scathing response, arguing that the government’s rhetoric has shifted dangerously. A party spokesperson targeted Defense Minister Nikos Dendias for “boasting” about the engagement, asserting that the incident proves Greece is now an active participant in the conflict.
The rest of the opposition joined the fray with even sharper language. SYRIZA labeled the event a “brazen admission of involvement,” criticizing the “Trump-Netanyahu axis” and demanding the immediate recall of the 120 military personnel stationed in the Kingdom.
