Greece ordered the dispatch of military support to the Republic of Cyprus after a drone struck the U.K.’s Royal Air Force base on the Mediterranean island nation, according to multiple reports.
The deployment was announced by Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias Monday, and it will include the Hellenic Navy’s frigate, the Kimon, and a second frigate equipped with an anti-drone system called “Centaur,” according to The National Herald. (RELATED: Trump Tells British Newspaper He’s ‘Very Disappointed’ In Prime Minister Keir Starmer)
The deployment comes in the wake of a drone sighting that led to the evacuation of Paphos International Airport Monday, KNews reported.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that a drone struck Britain’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, according to The Telegraph. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that the U.S. was cleared to use U.K. bases.
The drone is believed to be of Iranian design, sources told The Guardian. It was seemingly launched by Lebanese Hezbollah, an Iranian terrorist proxy-group, the outlet reported, citing a Cypriot news agency.
Officials asserted the drone was launched prior to Starmer’s announcement, the outlet reported. The drone hit the base hours after the U.K. agreed to allow the U.S. to use their bases.
The drone strike reportedly led to an evacuation of the facility.
Many British commentators are characterizing the need for Greek aid to defend an RAF base as evidence of weakness by Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, and the U.K.’s armed forces. Greece is much smaller than the United Kingdom, has less than one-sixth as many people, and has a much smaller economy and lower per capita income.
Right-leaning columnist Steven Barrett said the Greek government is defending his country because “Starmer is too weak,” while commentator Dan Hodges asked, “Where is the Royal Navy?”
Dendias also announced the deployment of two F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus Monday to contribute to the nation’s defense, according to The National Herald.
“Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured [the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus, Vasilis Palmas] that Greece, throughout the duration of the current crisis, will contribute in every possible way to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus in order to address the threats and unlawful actions taking place on its territory,” Dendias said.
Greece is still recovering from its debt crisis in the 2010s. Food inflation is at 4.5%, and property prices increased from 7% to 10% over the last year. Prices remain “disproportionately high” when compared wages, according to the Greek Reporter.
