Greek frigates arrive in Cyprus as countries send send air-defense forces

Two Greek frigates arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday (March 4) after drones struck the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri on the island days earlier, prompting a broader regional defense military response from European allies.

The frigates, the Kimon and Psara, were seen off the port of the southern city of Limassol, near the British air base. The Psara is equipped with a Centauros anti-drone jamming system used previously against Houthi attacks off Yemen. Greece has also sent four F-16 fighter jets to the island.

Camera operators record the Greek frigate "Kimon", as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, at the port of Limassol, Cyprus, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

France is sending anti-missile and anti-drone systems, as well as a frigate, the Languedoc, Cypriot officials said.

Britain said it would deploy the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and two Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet missiles to strengthen defences in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ministry of Defence said the destroyer - fitted with the Sea Viper missile system - would enhance Britain's ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones.

The Ministry of Defence said the deployment came as British forces had shot down numerous drones across the region in the past 24 hours.

The Akrotiri base is considered sovereign British territory. Cyprus said it is not participating in the strikes against Iran.

Production: Stamos Prousalis, Deborah Kyvrikosaios/Reuters