France will deploy anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus, along with a naval frigate, in order to strengthen the island’s defence capabilities following recent security developments, the Cyprus News Agency has reported.
According to CNA, President Nikos Christodoulides was informed early on Tuesday of the decision by French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders held two telephone conversations on Monday, during which the Cypriot President conveyed a relevant request.
Macron informed Christodoulides that France will send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to the island, together with one frigate. A second French frigate is also expected to be deployed to Cyprus at a later stage.
President Christodoulides also requested that Germany deploy a frigate to Cyprus during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday. Merz responded positively, with a formal decision by the German government expected in the coming period.
At 00:03 on Monday, a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck within the military facilities of the British Bases at Akrotiri, causing minor damage at RAF Akrotiri in Limassol district.