Nicosia, Cyprus. The Italian government is considering deploying a frigate to Cypriot waters, according to reports, after France and Greece made similar moves following a drone hitting the island earlier in the week.
Italian deliberations
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the government is considering “moving an Italian frigate near Cypriot territory to contribute to the island’s security”. The report said the vessel would be “equipped with weapons capable of downing Tehran’s fearsome drones”.
A source close to the Italian government told the Cyprus Mail there is “nothing to confirm yet”.
French and Greek deployments
France and Greece have committed frigates to be deployed to Cypriot waters. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday night that the arrival of the Languedoc was expected imminently.
Macron also announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, alongside its “air assets” and frigate escort, would be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean.
Greece deployed two frigates, including one armed with the Centauros anti-drone system, to Cypriot waters and repositioned four F-16 fighter jets to the island. The frigates were confirmed as having arrived in Cypriot waters on Wednesday morning.
Italy summons Iranian ambassador
Reports of an Italian deployment followed the Italian foreign ministry summoning the Iranian ambassador in Rome to protest the firing of the drone at Cyprus.
“I made it clear to the Iranian ambassador, after the attack which took place in Cyprus, that Europe has nothing to do with it, that it should not under any circumstances get involved in this story,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said after meeting the ambassador.
UK response
The drone hit the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri air force base. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the deployment of HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer warship, and two AW159 Wildcat helicopters to Cyprus.
What impact do you think additional naval and air deployments could have on security around Cyprus?
