In a significant military maneuver, Greece has sent naval and air forces to Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment follows an attack that targeted the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, which is central to the UK’s Middle East military operations.
The incident involved a Shahed-type drone hitting the base’s runway shortly after midnight on March 2. The attack caused only minor damage and no injuries, as reported by the UK Ministry of Defence. Cypriot authorities stated that two more drones targeting the base were intercepted on the same day, as detailed in a report by The Guardian.
Speculation suggests that the strike was a response from Iran or its allied factions to U.S. actions emanating from British bases in Cyprus supporting a U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran. Further heightening tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly threatened Cyprus with missile attacks, according to Cyprus Mail.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed the dispatch of the FDI HN frigate Kimon—recognized as the most sophisticated vessel in Greece’s naval fleet—and the Psara frigate, which is equipped with an advanced Centaur counter-drone system. Additionally, four F-16 fighter jets have been deployed to Cyprus, as confirmed by Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Reports from Cypriot media also indicated the arrival of a Greek C-130 Hercules transport aircraft on the island, as stated by Cyprus Mail.
Greece’s strong military ties with Cyprus date back to the aftermath of Turkey’s intervention, resulting in the island’s division. Dendias, who traveled to Cyprus to meet with Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, reiterated Greece’s commitment to aid Cyprus “in every possible way,” as reported by Kathimerini.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides clarified that Cyprus does not wish to engage in any military operations. Meanwhile, the UK is also considering deploying a warship capable of intercepting ballistic missiles to the region, as reported by The Times of London.
Requests for comments from British and Turkish officials were not returned in time for this article’s publication.
