Nicosia, Cyprus. Greece is set to replace two frigates deployed to Cyprus in the coming days as Athens seeks to maintain a sustained military presence in the Levant. Reports said Kimon and Psara will hand over to new vessels within the next week.
Planned naval rotation
According to reports by Alpha Greece and defence outlet OnAlert, the frigates Kimon and Psara will be replaced, with the lead frigate of her class, Elli, expected to take over. The reports also cited the possible reinforcement of a missile-equipped unit.
Elli’s service history
Elli was commissioned by the Hellenic Navy in 1982. It last saw action in the Gulf war from 1990–91 and was modernised with the Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile system in 2009.
Greek stance on continued presence
Defence minister Nikos Dendias said Greek forces will remain in Cyprus “for as long as necessary”, with their presence to be continuously assessed in line with developments in the Middle East.
Air deployment rotations
The naval rotation follows a similar pattern in air deployments. The initial four F-16 fighter jets deployed from Souda to the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos have already been replaced by aircraft and personnel from Araxos and Larissa.
Statements from Greek and Cypriot officials
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the dispatch of Kimon as the deployment of the “pride of the Greek fleet”, saying Greece was “present with strength where national duty calls”.
Defence minister Vasilis Palmas said the arrival of the frigates and fighter jets created a “protective umbrella” over the island at a time of increased tension, adding that the response from Athens had been both “immediate and decisive”.
The replacement of Kimon and Psara with other warships was not interpreted as a drawdown but as a move to maintain a continuous naval footprint in the Levant.
Greek ambassador to Cyprus Konstantinos Kollias said Greece “has stood and will stand unwaveringly by the side of the Republic of Cyprus”, adding that support would continue “together with partners, but also alone if necessary”.
Defence discussions and regional role
Palmas said discussions with Dendias also covered the potential acquisition of the Centauros defence system, as well as the possibility of Cyprus and Greece playing an expanded humanitarian and stabilising role in the region.
What impact do you think continued Greek rotations could have on security planning in Cyprus?
