Following the military developments in the Middle East, Greece is bolstering the defensive capabilities and deterrent posture of Cyprus by deploying military assets to the island.
By decision of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), Greece is deploying naval and air assets to Cyprus to assist in the surveillance and protection of Cypriot airspace. The deployment includes:
- FDI Frigate Kimon: Embarking on its maiden voyage, the advanced FDI frigate is heading to Cyprus.
- MEKO-class Frigate: A second frigate, equipped with the domestically produced “Kentauros” anti-drone system, will join the fleet to address threats from unmanned aerial vehicles.
- F-16 Fighters: A pair of F-16 Block 52+ aircraft has been dispatched to provide air defense support.
Diplomatic coordination between Greece and Cyprus
The deployment follows a telephone consultation between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The mission is being interpreted as a tangible sign of Athens’ support for Nicosia during a period of extreme regional volatility.
Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, is scheduled to travel to Nicosia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis. Minister Dendias is expected to meet with President Christodoulides and his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, to coordinate actions and discuss contingency plans should the regional situation further destabilize.
“After the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured Mr. Palmas that Greece will contribute in every possible way to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus,” Minister Dendias stated following an emergency meeting at the Ministry of National Defense on Monday.
Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis officially thanked the Greek government for its swift and decisive response to the crisis.
Drone attacks on Cyprus
The regional instability has triggered high-alert protocols across key Cypriot infrastructure. Late Sunday night, British bases in Cyprus—specifically RAF Akrotiri—were placed on alert following reports of drone activity. According to government sources, two drones targeting the British facilities were intercepted.
Emergency protocols were also triggered at Paphos airport, where the detection of a suspicious drone led to an evacuation of the terminal. Additionally, heightened alert measures were reported at the British base in Dhekelia and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. While unconfirmed media reports suggested that ballistic missiles were launched toward British bases, these claims remain unsubstantiated.
Related: Iran’s Ballistic Missile Range: What Parts of Europe are at Risk?
