Greece deploys frigates and F-16s to Cyprus amid rising tensions
Mar 2nd 2026
Greece announced the dispatch of two frigates and two F-16s to Cyprus after a series of drone incidents and other security alerts, and will send top officials to coordinate with Cypriot leaders.
- Greece will send two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced.
- Dendias said he will visit Cyprus with General Dimitrios Choupis for coordination with President Nikos Christodoulides and Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas.
- Cyprus reported that two unmanned drones headed for RAF Akrotiri were intercepted after the base had been struck by another drone.
- A passenger terminal at Paphos airport was evacuated after a suspicious object was detected on radar.
- Athens framed the deployment as support to defend Cyprus against unprovoked attacks and illegal actions on its territory.