Athens / Nicosia, March 3, 2026 – Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias arrived in Nicosia on Tuesday to reaffirm Athens’ unwavering support for Cyprus following Monday’s drone attacks on Britain’s RAF Akrotiri base, emphasizing Greece’s readiness to provide comprehensive assistance under the longstanding Greece-Cyprus Common Defense Doctrine.
Meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, Dendias delivered a strong message of solidarity before the press: “These are difficult times for our wider region, but Greece wants to declare in the most categorical way – which involves both symbolism and substance – its intention to provide, as far as possible, within the framework of its forces and capabilities, whatever assistance it can to Cyprus and the Cypriot people.”
Dendias, accompanied by Hellenic National Defence General Staff Chief General Dimitrios Houpis, stated he would discuss “the practical aspects” of this support with Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas. “We are completely and absolutely at your disposal,” he added, underscoring unconditional commitment.
The visit follows immediate Greek military deployments announced Monday in response to the incidents at RAF Akrotiri—a British sovereign base on Cyprus. An Iranian-made Shahed-type drone struck the runway overnight, causing limited material damage but no casualties. Hours later, two additional drones approaching the base were successfully intercepted by Cypriot and British forces.
In coordination with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Christodoulides, Greece dispatched:
- The advanced FDI HN frigate Kimon (first-in-class Belharra), equipped for long-range air defense with Aster 30 missiles.
- A second frigate (MEKO-class, fitted with Greece’s indigenous “Centaur”/”Kentauros” anti-drone system) to counter low-altitude UAV threats.
- Four F-16 Viper fighters (upgraded with AESA radars) forward-deployed to Paphos air base for air surveillance, interception, and combat air patrol.
These assets form part of a layered defensive posture, overlapping with repositioned systems like a Patriot battery on Karpathos to extend coverage across the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Christodoulides expressed deep gratitude: “Greece is showing the way in which the European Union should respond.” He noted requests for support from France, Germany, and Italy. The semi-official Cyprus News Agency (CNA) reported Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron informed Christodoulides of plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems, plus a frigate, to bolster Cyprus’ defenses.
Cyprus maintains it is not participating in any military operations amid the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, which has triggered Iranian retaliation—including threats of intensified strikes on the island over perceived Western base usage.
Dendias’ statements and the rapid deployments highlight Athens’ proactive role in safeguarding an EU ally from spillover risks in a volatile region, with officials stressing deterrence and regional stability as priorities.