Greek minister cites Cyprus deployment as demonstration of military power

Nicosia, Cyprus. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Wednesday that Greece’s deployment of frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus and nearby waters earlier this year was a demonstration of military power.

Greek military presence

Two Greek frigates and four F-16 fighter jets were initially stationed in Cyprus after the island was struck by an Iranian-made drone at the beginning of March.

Greek frigates have since been rotated in Cypriot waters to maintain a constant naval presence off the island. The Nikiforos Fokas is the latest frigate stationed in Cyprus, while the F-16s have remained in Paphos.

Regional security role

Speaking to television channel Skai, Gerapetritis said Greece’s relations with Gulf countries and India were better than ever and referred to its international alliance in the European Union.

However, he said Greece could not rely solely on international alliances and needed to strengthen its own capabilities, build defensive resilience and become stronger internationally.

He said Greece’s defence had been equipped over the past three years in a way that had given it real power and the ability to project that power.

“A country must have a strong defence in order to be able to cope with dangers,” he said, adding that many global dangers were looming.

Relations with Israel

Gerapetritis said Greece’s provision of defence security in Gulf countries over the past six months was another demonstration of its power.

He described the deployment of the frigate and upgraded F-16s in Cyprus as part of an ongoing discussion about Greece becoming an exporter of security.

He also referred to Greece’s expanded defence cooperation with Israel, saying Israel had high defence know-how.

Asked about a possible Turkish reaction to Greece’s deepening relations with Israel, Gerapetritis said Greece would not define its international alliances based on the wishes of other countries.