Limassol, Cyprus. The Greek frigates Kimon and Psara continued patrolling the Republic of Cyprus’ maritime area from the port of Limassol on Saturday, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. The vessels were sent by Greece to support Cyprus in strengthening its military defence.
Patrols and deployment from Limassol
Letymbiotis said the frigates are continuing efforts to bolster Cyprus’ defences as part of preventive action taken in cooperation with the Greek government. A video shared by the navy on Friday showed the Kimon departing from Limassol to patrol the area after refuelling.
The frigates arrived in Limassol shortly after dawn on Wednesday.
Regional tensions and security measures
Their deployment is part of military and diplomatic manoeuvres by Athens aimed at bolstering Cyprus’ security amid rising tensions in the Middle East, including the launch of Iran-backed Hezbollah drones toward the British bases on the island earlier in the week.
Capabilities and defence systems
The frigates are equipped with the Centavros combat system, designed to detect and neutralise drone threats. The system was previously used to intercept drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi movement in the Red Sea in 2024 and has since been integrated with Israel’s Barak MX air defence system, acquired by Cyprus in 2025.
Greek air assets on the island
Several Greek air assets also remain active on the island, including four F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos. A Greek C-130 transport aircraft has been deployed to support logistics and coordination.
Leaders’ comments
President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking after meeting Greek defence minister Nikos Dendias on Tuesday, said Cyprus and Greece “stand united” and would “always be part of the solution” during the current crisis.
How do you think the continued presence of Greek forces could affect Cyprus’ security posture?