Joint naval exercise between Greek and Cypriot forces

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Greek Navy frigate Elli participated in a joint training exercise with units of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus. The training took place in the maritime area surrounding Cyprus. The National Guard contributed the offshore patrol vessel Ioannidis, the coastal patrol vessels Tsomakis, Ammochostos, and Georgiou, as well as the special operations vessels Panagos and Agathos. Additionally, an AW-139 helicopter from the 460th Search and Rescue Squadron of the Air Force Command participated in the drills. The exercise focused on communications, asymmetric threat scenarios, advanced maneuvers, and helicopter deck landing procedures. The General Staff of the National Guard stated that the activity aimed to enhance operational readiness, combat capability, and interoperability between the two nations' naval forces.