French Rafale fighter jets could deploy to Cyprus, the deputy government spokesman said on Monday, as the island scrambled to reinforce its defences following a day that saw an Iranian drone strike RAF Akrotiri, a second wave of drones intercepted, Paphos airport evacuated and an IRGC general threaten to bombard the island with missiles.
Yiannis Antoniou told Sigma television that discussions about the possible arrival of French aircraft were ongoing, but stressed that Cyprus does not want an excessive concentration of forces. “We do not wish for a large build-up of forces,” he said, noting that command and control issues could arise.
Four Greek F-16s landed in Cyprus on Monday afternoon, with two navy frigates still en route. The deployment includes the newly commissioned FDI frigate Kimon, Greece’s most advanced warship, equipped with the SEAFIRE radar and ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles capable of providing long-range air defence, along with a second frigate carrying the domestically produced Kentavros anti-drone system.
On the Greek naval deployment, Antoniou said the two frigates expected in the area would anchor south of Limassol and south of Paphos. Their positioning is intended to protect the Vasilikos energy plant and ensure the security of Paphos airport, he said.
Paphos airport was evacuated earlier on Monday but later received the all-clear and returned to normal operations after a suspected drone sighting.
Sirens sounded again at Akrotiri on Monday and British Typhoon and F-35 warplanes were scrambled as two further drones heading for the base were intercepted by Cypriot authorities.
Heightened alert measures were also reported at the British base in Dhekelia and the US Embassy in Nicosia.
The Cypriot government has repeatedly stressed that the Republic is not a party to the conflict and is not involved in any military operations.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is due in Nicosia on Tuesday for meetings with President Christodoulides and his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas.
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