Greek military assets conduct operations in Cyprus as a preventive measure

Since arriving on March 4, 2026, the Greek frigates Kimon and Psara have been stationed in Limassol to conduct patrols in the maritime area of the Republic of Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis characterized this deployment as a preventive measure amidst rising regional instability in the Middle East. Additionally, four Greek F-16 fighter jets are stationed at the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos, supported by a C-130 transport aircraft. On March 8, 2026, the frigate Kimon participated in the bilateral search and rescue exercise Salamis-01/26 within the Cypriot search and rescue responsibility area. This exercise was coordinated by the Larnaca Joint Rescue Coordination Center, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, and the National Guard General Staff. While official Cypriot sources emphasize the mission's preventive nature, reports indicate the presence of the Centavros combat system on the frigates, intended to counter drone threats. This security activity follows reports of increased military tensions in the region, including drone activity near British bases on the island.