Four F-16 fighter jets of the Hellenic Air Force have arrived in Cyprus, as Greece and the Republic of Cyprus step up preventive defence measures following recent drone attacks on the British base at RAF Akrotiri.
The deployment was confirmed by Cyprus Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, who said the aircraft arrived after an immediate response from Athens.
“Four F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force have just landed in Cyprus, following the immediate response of the Greek Government, within the framework of strengthening preventive measures and the close cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Greece,” he stated in a post.
Further reinforcements are expected, with Greek frigates Kimon and Psara set to arrive in Cypriot waters. Psara will be equipped with the ‘Centaur’ anti-drone system, following a decision by KYSEA, as announced by Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.
Earlier, Dendias confirmed that he and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, will travel to Cyprus for high-level coordination talks.
In a detailed statement, Dendias said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had spoken with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, while he himself had been in continuous contact with Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.
“Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured Mr. Palmas that Greece, throughout the duration of the current crisis, will contribute in every possible way to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus in order to address the threats and illegal actions on its territory,” Dendias said.
Source: Protothema
