Newsroom
Greece is deploying two naval frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus to bolster the island’s defenses following a drone alert that prompted the evacuation of Paphos International Airport and heightened security concerns, officials said Monday.
The precautionary measures came hours after authorities cleared the airport and closed the surrounding airspace amid reports that an unmanned aerial vehicle was heading toward the nearby “Andreas Papandreou” air force base, rather than the British RAF Akrotiri base initially feared.
No strike was confirmed, but the incident highlighted how quickly tensions tied to the widening Middle East conflict are spilling into the Eastern Mediterranean.
Under a decision by Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense, the frigate Kimon will sail to Cyprus alongside a second warship, the Psara, equipped with anti-drone systems. A pair of F-16 fighter aircraft will also be deployed to strengthen aerial defense capabilities.
The Psara previously took part in the mission against Houthi forces in the Red Sea, where Greece tested its new Centaur anti-drone system. The Kimon deployment marks the first operational mission for the frigate, one of the newest additions to the Greek navy.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias described the situation as serious following what he called “unpredictable attacks” affecting the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Dendias said he has been in constant contact with Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, assuring him that Greece would support Cyprus’ defense “in every possible way” against threats and unlawful actions targeting the island.
In addition to Dendias, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (A-GEEΘA) is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Monday to oversee coordination with local authorities.
Earlier Monday, the evacuation of Paphos airport and emergency alerts issued by foreign embassies triggered concern among residents and travelers, as authorities warned of a possible drone approaching the western part of the island. Security forces later clarified that the suspected target area was linked to military facilities near Paphos.
Cypriot officials emphasized that the precautionary measures aim to protect civilians while avoiding panic, even as defense readiness remains high following a confirmed drone strike days earlier at RAF Akrotiri.
