Greece and Cyprus on High Alert – Deployment of F-16 Jets, Frigates and Patriot System
Greek diplomacy and the Armed Forces have been placed on heightened alert amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the outbreak of armed conflict, including the bombing of Iran.
As part of efforts to strengthen its deterrent presence in the region, two Greek F-16 Block fighter jets are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday morning, accompanied by the frigates “Kimon” and “Psara.” Additionally, a Patriot missile battery will be deployed to the island of Karpathos on Tuesday, March 3, reinforcing air defense capabilities in the southeastern Aegean.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is traveling urgently to Cyprus alongside Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitris Choupis. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already spoken by phone with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, while Dendias remains in continuous contact with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas.
The developments follow the interception of two drones near the British base at Akrotiri, prompting the activation of the longstanding Joint Defense Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, aimed at ensuring coordinated military readiness during times of crisis.
