The multinational naval presence deployed around Cyprus since March is gradually being reduced following heightened security measures triggered by a drone strike on the British base at Akrotiri. Several military assets remain in the region, though some are expected to redeploy as the immediate risk is considered lower.
The concentration of forces was initially deemed necessary after a Shahed-136 kamikaze drone struck the British base at Akrotiri in early March, causing an explosion and material damage to an aircraft hangar. Investigations that followed indicated the drone had been launched from Lebanon, with assessments suggesting it was fired by Hezbollah.
Military response after the Akrotiri strike
The incident prompted an immediate security response in the region. Greece was among the first countries to reinforce Cyprus, deploying two pairs of F-16 fighter jets to the “Andreas Papandreou” Air Base in Paphos. Athens also sent two warships, the advanced Belhara-class frigate Kimon and the frigate Psara.
The United Kingdom deployed Wildcat helicopters from the 815 Naval Air Squadron, equipped with Martlet missiles designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. France dispatched the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle together with its accompanying naval vessels.
Gradual redeployment of assets
Although the possibility of a similar strike from Lebanon or Iran is now considered remote, particularly following the informal summit of European Union leaders held in Cyprus last week, several military assets were retained in the area as a precaution.
According to information obtained by Politis, some of these assets will now gradually move to other missions and leave the region.
Among the Greek deployments, the frigate Elli has replaced both the Kimon and Psara. The Elli carries the Greek-made anti-drone system “Centaur”, the same system previously installed on the frigate Psara.
At the Paphos air base, the two pairs of Greek F-16 Viper fighter jets remain stationed.
Meanwhile, the British Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon (D35), which arrived in the area after delays, departed in early April after experiencing technical problems. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort vessels remain stationed offshore and are awaiting instructions regarding whether they will leave the region and where they may be redeployed.
Strengthened anti-drone defences
A competent source speaking to Politis explained that following the strike on Akrotiri, additional systems capable of detecting and intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed within the British Sovereign Base Areas. These systems are designed to identify and neutralise drones even when flying at low altitude.
Part of the National Guard’s air defence systems has also been adapted to operate within this reinforced defensive framework.