greek frigate — The focus keyword, Greek frigate Kimon, is central to the recent visit by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The two leaders arrived by helicopter on Monday afternoon to the frigate, which has become a symbol of unity and strength in light of recent tensions in the region.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Greek frigate: European Leaders Unite Following Drone Strike
This visit follows a drone strike on the RAF Akrotiri British military base on 2 March, which has heightened security concerns for Cyprus amid fears of escalating conflict in the region. The strike involved a Shahed-type drone, prompting immediate responses from European leaders who have rallied to support Cyprus.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Military Response and Patrols
In response to the drone attack, Greece swiftly deployed frigates Kimon and Psara to patrol Cyprus’s southern coast, alongside four F-16 fighter jets. The Kimon, a French-built Belharra-class frigate, is currently stationed off Limassol, reinforcing Greece’s commitment to maritime security in collaboration with its European partners.
Trilateral Meeting in Paphos
Before their visit to the frigate, Christodoulides and Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. This trilateral meeting highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of European citizens in the region and to de-escalate the ongoing crisis.
France’s Military Contributions
As part of the collective European response, France has also deployed the frigate Languedoc to Cypriot waters, with the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle en route to the eastern Mediterranean. These movements reflect a united front among European nations in support of Cyprus during this challenging period.
