Cyprus is at the epicenter of recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, as the war between Iran, Israel and the US has caused rising tensions in the region and beyond.
The escalation of recent days has already affected the island, after the British military air base in Akrotiri was attacked by an Iranian drone, which prompted evacuations and a high alert.
From the outset, Greece reacted immediately by sending military forces to Cyprus to defend the island.
Thus, the Greek frigates "Kimon" and "Psara" arrived in the area.
The frigate "Kimon", a frontline unit of the FDI HN (Belharra) type of the Navy, is the most modern anti-aircraft platform of the Greek Navy. It has 32 vertical launch cells for Aster 30 missiles, which provide long-range air defense capabilities.
At the same time, the frigate “Psara” (MEKO 200HN class) has ESSM missiles for medium-range air defense, a Phalanx CIWS system for close defense, and integrated surveillance radars.
However, of particular importance is the presence of the "Kentaurus" electronic warfare system, developed in Greece, which has been integrated into Navy units.
It is noted that Athens' assistance also includes the sending of four F-16 Viper fighter jets, which are already stationed at the "Andreas Papandreou" base in Paphos, strengthening air defense.
What other countries are sending forces to Cyprus?
Following the attack on the British military air base in Akrotiri on Monday, the United Kingdom took immediate steps to strengthen security in Cyprus. According to the country's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, equipped with Martlet missiles to deal with aerial threats, as well as the destroyer HMS Dragon, are being sent to the region.
The warship, which is expected to depart Portsmouth next week after being loaded with ammunition, will strengthen naval operations and the defense of the region.
Also, as announced today, Spain will finally send the frigate "Christopher Columbus" to the Eastern Mediterranean to offer protection to Cyprus.
This is the most modern ship of the Spanish Navy. In its mission, the frigate “Christopher Columbus” will undertake “naval and anti-aircraft defense” tasks, while also providing assistance in “operations for the evacuation of civilian personnel” from danger zones.
According to a statement from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the frigate, which initially participated in naval operations in the Baltic Sea, is expected to arrive on the coast of Crete around March 10, strengthening international security efforts in the region.
Italy and the Netherlands are also sending naval forces to defend Cyprus in the coming days.
"The Italians, the French, the Dutch, the Spanish, maybe we will send help to Cyprus," Meloni's government's Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, told the Italian parliament.
"Article 7 of the EU Treaty provides for support for a member state that is under attack. Together with countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, France, in the coming days we will send naval units to defend Cyprus," the Italian minister said.
At the same time, France announced the arrival of a multi-mission frigate off the coast of Cyprus, as part of the military reinforcements it is sending to the country to strengthen the island's defenses. Along with the frigate, anti-missile and anti-drone systems are being sent to protect Cyprus from potential aerial threats.
