Military sources report that the Greek frigate Elli, a Type S vessel, departed from the Salamis naval base on the morning of Monday, April 6, bound for Cyprus. While no official statement has yet clarified whether it will replace the frigate Psara or Kimon, indications strongly suggest that Psara is the most likely to be relieved.
The development follows Athens’ recent decision to bolster Cyprus’ defenses. In early March, the frigates Kimon and Psara arrived on the island as part of a broader response to rising regional tensions. The move came in the wake of escalating security concerns, including a drone strike targeting the British base in Akrotiri and fears of a potential Iranian attack.
Psara is equipped with the advanced anti-drone “Kentavros” system, while FDI frigate Kimon features Sea Fire radar and 32 Aster 30 missiles significantly enhancing their operational capabilities across multiple domains.
The deployment underscores ongoing military coordination and readiness in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the presence of Greek naval assets plays a critical role in safeguarding maritime interests and reinforcing regional security.
Greek military leadership is closely monitoring the situation, as the rotation of a frigate on an overseas mission represents a strategic decision with implications for fleet strength and flexibility. An official announcement detailing the replacement and the vessels’ operational schedule is expected in the coming hours or days.
