Greece deploys Patriot missiles to safeguard Olympics
Greece has pulled out six anti-aircraft Patriot missile ranges in a military airport in Athens to enforce a shoot-down policy against rogue planes entering the Greek capital's airspace during the August 13-29 Olympics.
"The missiles were progressively installed after July 1," Greek Air Force spokesman Constantinos Prionas told AFP.
The US-made missiles are part of Greece's security measures to ward off aerial threats during the Games.
Similar action was taken in the 1996 Atlanta summer Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City winter Games.
Anti-aircraft missiles of different types are also deployed in another four Greek cities hosting qualifiers of the Olympic football tournament.
Russian-made SS 300 anti-aircraft missiles are protecting the city of Heraklion on the southern island of Crete, Mr Prionas said.
According to Public Order Minister Yiorgos Voulgarakis, aircraft in September 11-type attacks on the Athens Olympics will be shot down.
However, before a military strike is unleashed, unauthorised aircraft would have to try to flee after being intercepted by fighter aircraft.
Air security will also be boosted by NATO AWACS surveillance planes in Greek airspace.
-- AFP