Greece to deploy frigates, including its first FDI HN frigate Kimon, F-16 fighter jets and other assets to bolster Cyprus’ defense amid Iran escalation. The newly commissioned frigate will provide air defense cover with its SEAFIRE radar and ASTER missiles.
Greece moved swiftly to assist Cyprus, which has come under attack from hostile Iranian drones. Following a decision by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the Hellenic Armed Forces are deploying the FDI HN frigate Kimon (F-601) which is currently the most advanced Greek warship and the only one capable to provide long-range air defense, an additional (Hydra-class/MEKO 200HN) frigate that is equipped with HAI CENTAUR C-UAS system, and two pairs of F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced moments ago.
Enemy drones have targeted British military bases in Cyprus for several hours, heightening tensions on the island. As part of heightened security measures and efforts to safeguard civilians and personnel, authorities ordered the evacuation of Paphos Airport, while British fighter aircraft scrambled to neutralize the threat.
A short while ago, the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides. In addition, over the past two days I have been in continuous contact with my counterpart, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Vasilis Palmas.
Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured Mr. Palma that throughout the current crisis Greece will contribute in every possible way to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus, in order to confront the threats and unlawful actions taking place on its soil.
In this context, and in accordance with a decision by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the frigate ‘Kimon’ is being dispatched immediately to the Republic of Cyprus, along with a second Greek frigate equipped with the ‘Kentavros (ENG: Centaur)’ system. In addition, two pairs of F-16 fighter jets are being sent to Cyprus to assist in strengthening its defense against the threats it is facing.
Furthermore, in order to ensure better coordination of actions with the Republic of Cyprus, I will travel to Cyprus tomorrow together with the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Dimitrios Choupis, where I will be received by President Christodoulides and will hold consultations with Vasilis Palma.
Nikos Dendias, Defense Minister of Greece
This marks the first official mission undertaken by the Hellenic Navy’s new frigate Kimon, the first of four FDI HN frigates built by Naval Group, with the second vessel, Nearchos (F-602), expected to enter service before the end of the year. Kimon entered service on December 18, 2025 and reached her homeland for the first time on January 15, 2026.
Equipped with the state-of-the-art multi-function radar SEAFIRE of Thales with a detection range exceeding 300 kilometers, as well as MBDA ASTER 30 Block 1 surface-to-air missiles with a range of more than 120 kilometers, and the rest of its armament, Kimon is capable of providing robust air-defense coverage. The frigate can deliver highly effective protection for critical Cypriot infrastructure against missiles or drones, significantly strengthening the island’s defensive shield.
