ATHENS, — March 2, 2026 : Greece has deployed two Hellenic Navy frigates and two Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jets to the Republic of Cyprus following Iranian drone strikes targeting the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Area at RAF Akrotiri, according to official statements from Athens.
The decision was taken after consultations between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. The deployment activates the longstanding joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, which provides for mutual security support in the event of threats to either country.
Greek Military Assets Deployed
The naval contingent is led by HS Kimon (F-601), the first of Greece’s Kimon-class (Belharra) frigates, which entered active service in late 2025 as part of the Hellenic Navy’s modernization program. The vessel is configured for multi-role operations and carries:
- 8 Exocet anti-ship missiles
- 25 anti-air missiles
- 8 land-attack missiles
It is accompanied by HS Psara, a MEKO-200HN class frigate, operating as part of an integrated air-defense formation. Two F-16 fighter jets from the Hellenic Air Force are providing aerial monitoring and supplementary air-defense coverage over the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek officials stated that the objective of the deployment is to enhance air-defense capabilities and support security coordination in the region. Defense Minister Dendias is traveling to Cyprus for consultations with Cypriot authorities regarding operational coordination.
Drone Strikes on RAF Akrotiri
The military move follows multiple Iranian Shahed-type drone attacks over the past 24 hours targeting RAF Akrotiri, located near Limassol in Cyprus. The United Kingdom confirmed that one drone struck the runway, causing limited damage and no casualties. A second unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was intercepted before impact.
Additional drones were reportedly intercepted by RAF Typhoon aircraft. Air raid sirens were activated at the base during the incidents. Paphos airport was temporarily evacuated due to suspected aerial threats.
The base is one of two British Sovereign Base Areas on the island, alongside Dhekelia. RAF Akrotiri serves as a strategic hub for British military operations and signals intelligence activities and has also been used for refueling United States and Israeli aircraft.
Cypriot government sources indicated that the drones were likely launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah. The group had previously issued warnings in June 2024 regarding potential action against Cyprus if its territory were used in regional military operations against Lebanon.
UK and Cypriot Response
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the strikes specifically targeted the military installation. The UK government is reviewing measures to protect personnel and British nationals in the region.
The drone incidents occurred shortly after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized United States forces to use British bases, including Akrotiri, for defensive operations against Iranian missile launch sites. The authorization was issued under the framework of collective self-defense following Iranian strikes on U.S. and allied facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, and other Gulf states.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides convened emergency meetings following the attacks. He stated that Cyprus is not participating in offensive military operations. As a precautionary measure, three communities in the Paphos district were placed under temporary stay-at-home advisories.
Investigations by British and Cypriot authorities into the origin and trajectory of the drones are ongoing. Security assessments indicate that Shahed-type UAVs, known for extended range and relatively low production cost, were used in the attacks.
Broader Regional Context
The strikes on Cyprus form part of a wider escalation involving U.S.-Israeli operations against Iranian military targets. Iranian state media have reported that more than 200 people, including civilians, were killed in those strikes. In response, Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones against multiple targets, including U.S. military facilities across the Gulf region.
Greek officials emphasized that the deployment to Cyprus reflects the bilateral defense framework between Athens and Nicosia and underscores coordination among European Union member states and NATO allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As of late Monday afternoon, no additional drone incidents had been reported. The operational duration of the Greek deployment has not been publicly disclosed.
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