F-16 fighter jets from Greece: Athens Sends Fighter Jets and Frigates as Drones Strike British Base
F-16 fighter jets from Greece: Greece has answered the call. As Iranian drones target British bases in Cyprus, Athens is dispatching significant military assets to defend the Republic of Cyprus. Four F-16 fighter jets now patrol Cypriot skies, alongside two state-of-the-art frigates . This rapid deployment activates the unified defence doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, sending a powerful message of solidarity in the face of regional escalation.
The Deployment: Four F-16s and Two Frigates
The Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) made the decision swiftly. Direct communication between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Nikos Christodoulides preceded the move. Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced the immediate dispatch of two Hellenic Navy frigates. He also confirmed a pair of F-16 fighter jets would head to the Republic of Cyprus.
Shortly after the announcement, the Cypriot government confirmed the arrival. Four F-16 aircraft have now landed on the island. They followed an official request from Nicosia to Athens. Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed the arrival. He thanked Greece for its immediate response.
The Frigates: “Kimon” and “Psara” with Anti-Drone Systems
The naval assets heading to Cyprus include the frigate Kimon and a second frigate, the Psara, which carries the advanced “Centaur” anti-drone system. The Kimon represents the most advanced warship in the Hellenic Navy. This FDI HN frigate only entered service in December 2025. It carries the state-of-the-art SEAFIRE radar with a detection range exceeding 300 kilometres and 32 ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles capable of reaching targets over 120 kilometres away. The Psara brings proven combat experience, having previously operated against Houthi forces in the Red Sea where it tested the Greek-developed Centaur electronic warfare system. Together, these vessels provide a robust air-defence shield for Cyprus’s coastline and critical infrastructure.
The Fighter Jets Cover: F-16s in Cypriot Skies
Four F-16 fighter jets now operating from Cypriot bases provide aerial coverage and rapid response capacity. These aircraft form a critical layer of the island’s defence, capable of intercepting hostile drones or aircraft before they can reach their targets. Defence Minister Dendias confirmed that the F-16s will “assist in strengthening its defence against the threats it is facing”. The fighter presence complements the naval assets, creating a comprehensive defensive network across air and sea.
Why Greece Is Acting Now
The deployment follows two drone strikes targeting the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. An Iranian Shahed-type drone struck the base just after midnight on Monday, causing minor material damage. A second incident saw two drones heading toward the base, which forces successfully intercepted. The situation escalated further when an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps general, Sardar Jabari, directly threatened Cyprus, stating: “We will launch so many missiles at Cyprus that the Americans will be forced to leave from there as well”.
High-Level Coordination and Visits
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is travelling to Cyprus along with the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis. President Christodoulides will receive them for consultations with Cyprus’s Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas. Palmas announced that the meeting will focus on “a general review of the data and an assessment of the security situation, as well as consideration of all appropriate measures, with the aim of ensuring an effective response to any eventuality and the protection and safety of our citizens”.
A Unified Defence Doctrine in Action
Dendias made Greece’s position absolutely clear: “Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured Mr. Palmas that throughout the current crisis Greece will contribute in every possible way to the defence of the Republic of Cyprus, in order to confront the threats and unlawful actions taking place on its soil”. This activation of the joint defence doctrine between Greece and Cyprus demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Athens to protect the Republic. As regional tensions mount, the four F-16s now covering Cypriot skies stand as visible proof of that guarantee.
