After Greece, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands are deploying naval assets to guard the skies over Cyprus after Iranian-made drones struck a British military base on the island, with London facing criticism for a slow response.
An investigation into Cyprus’ civil shelters shows overcrowding, poor maintenance, and misused spaces, raising concerns about public safety during emergencies. Authorities plan incentives to expand and improve shelter infrastructure
Amid regional tensions and drone interceptions, Cyprus sends its first emergency alert to citizens’ phones. Technical glitches left some without notifications, while authorities urge calm and adherence to official safety instructions.
The air-defense system arrived on the Greek island amid Middle East tensions, following reported Iranian drone attacks near a British base in Cyprus.
Britain’s Defense Ministry said the drone that struck a Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri caused limited damage and was not launched from Iran. Cyprus’ president stressed the country is not involved in any military operations amid regional tensions.
Fighting intensifies across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and the Gulf as Israel strikes Tehran, Hezbollah joins the conflict, Kurdish forces reportedly mobilize near Iran, and regional tensions trigger alarms from Cyprus to Turkey.
The most modern and lethal warship in the Hellenic Navy is named for the ancient Athenian general who expanded the celebrated Greek city-state's maritime dominance in the eastern Mediterranean against the Persian empire
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for de-escalation in the Middle East, urged diplomacy over widening conflict and said Greece is strengthening preparedness while supporting Cyprus and planning the safe return of citizens from the region.
Authorities clarified that Cyprus’ airspace remained open after a suspected drone from Lebanon prompted temporary holding patterns for two flights. One flight returned to Athens, while another landed safely, and normal operations have resumed
The combined presence of the frigates and fighter jets marks what observers call a new phase in Cyprus’ defensive posture.
U.S. Raises Travel Advisory for Cyprus to Level 3 out of 4, Citing Risk of Armed Conflict
Emmanuel Macron announced that France is dispatching additional air assets and a frigate to Cyprus, while hinting at the involvement of French armed forces in Mideast operations
Officials recommend an emergency “go-bag” should include basic necessities such as food, water, first-aid supplies and essential personal documents.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias pledged full support after Greece sent warships and F-16s to Cyprus.
Dendias said that Greece's commitment carries both symbolic and practical weight, asserting that it will stand alongside the Cypriot people and all lawful residents of the Republic of Cyprus.
Following drone attacks on British bases, Cyprus will receive French anti-air and anti-drone systems, with a second frigate expected soon, while Germany is also considering support
Cyprus’ Minister of Defence is meeting with Greece’s Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, in what officials describe as a crucial coordination session under rapidly shifting geopolitical conditions.
Authorities warn existing shelters can protect only about 45% of the population, as new measures aim to expand capacity and improve emergency readiness
Meanwhile, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides spoke by phone with the President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun, following a drone attack against the British sovereign base in Akrotiri
The frigate HS Kimon is being dispatched immediately to Cyprus, along with a second frigate equipped with the “Centaur” system. The naval reinforcement will be accompanied by two F-16 fighter aircraft.