A joint search and rescue exercise between Greece and Cyprus took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, within the search and rescue responsibility area of the Republic of Cyprus.
The bilateral drill, named “SALAMIS-01/26,” involved military and aviation units from both countries and was coordinated by the Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Larnaca. The exercise was conducted in cooperation with the Hellenic National Defense General Staff and the General Staff of the Cypriot National Guard.
Participating assets included the Hellenic Navy frigate “Kimon,” a search and rescue helicopter from the Cypriot National Guard’s 460 Squadron, and a helicopter from the Police Air Operations Unit.
The exercise forms part of a standing interstate agreement between Greece and Cyprus aimed at strengthening search and rescue services across the eastern Mediterranean.
The drill followed the arrival in Cyprus earlier in the week of the Greek frigates “Psara” and “Kimon,” which sailed from Greece on March 2 and reached the island on Wednesday. Their deployment came amid heightened regional security concerns following a drone attack that targeted the British base at RAF Akrotiri.
Officials say the exercise underscores ongoing defense and operational cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, particularly in areas related to maritime safety and emergency response.
