14.03.2026 13:20
Upon the request for assistance from the Greek Cypriot Administration, 7 European countries took action, sending numerous fighter jets, frigates, and aircraft carriers to the Eastern Mediterranean, elevating military activity in the region to the highest level.
Following the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and Tehran's retaliations, it has been reported that military shipments from European Union (EU) member countries, especially the United Kingdom, to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) continue, while an increase in air and naval force presence in the region has been recorded.
7 COUNTRIES HAVE TAKEN ACTION
According to information compiled by AA correspondent from open sources, the United Kingdom, Greece, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands have sent aircraft carriers, fighter jets, frigates, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) countermeasure systems to the Eastern Mediterranean and GCA.
GCA leader Nikos Christodoulides, following the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and Tehran's retaliations, called European leaders one by one to request military assistance, especially after a UAV crash at the British sovereign base Akrotiri in Southern Cyprus on March 2.
After the requests from Greek leader Christodoulides, an increase in the military presence of EU member countries, especially the United Kingdom, in the Eastern Mediterranean has been recorded.
Reports in the media claimed that Belgium is also preparing to provide the necessary military support to the Greeks in case of an attack on GCA by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
THE FIRST SHIPMENT WAS MADE BY THE UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom, which has sovereign military bases in GCA, sent 6 F35 fighter jets in addition to the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets stationed at Akrotiri Base at the beginning of February, before the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran began.
Two AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopters, equipped with multi-purpose Martlet missiles used against UAVs, were transported by cargo planes and deployed to the British sovereign base Akrotiri.
Last week, in addition to these helicopters, the United Kingdom sent another Merlin Mk2 type helicopter to its sovereign base in Southern Cyprus.
According to a statement from the British Ministry of Defense, the HMS Dragon ship, considered one of the most advanced ships in the world in air defense, has set sail towards Cyprus.
The British press suggested that the ship would arrive at the British Base in Southern Cyprus with a delay due to adverse weather conditions in the English Channel.
GREECE SENT FIGHTER JETS AND SHIPS TO GCA
Greece sent 4 F16 fighter jets to the Greeks, its historical allies, upon the call of GCA leader Nikos Christodoulides.
According to reports in the Greek press, the Greek fighter jets were stationed at the Andreas Papandreu Air Base in the city of Paphos, GCA, and began training flights.
Reports indicated that two frigates named Kimon and Psara sent by Greece were conducting patrol activities off the coast of Limassol.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who visited GCA, also stated that his country would respond to all requests for assistance from GCA with all its capabilities.
FRANCE DEPLOYED SHIPS TO BOTH THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AND GCA
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and accompanying ships would be sent to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which reached the Mediterranean with its accompanying protection task group ships, was visited by French President Macron at the beginning of last week.
The Greek media noted that Macron visited the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier on the same day, March 9, as he visited GCA.
On the other hand, the CyprusMail newspaper, published in English in GCA, reported that the French frigate Languedoc had reached the waters off Cyprus.
GERMANY PROVIDED FRIGATE SUPPORT TO THE GREEKS
In response to the requests of GCA leader Nikos Christodoulides following the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Germany was one of the countries that responded.
The FGS Nordrhein-Westfalen frigate, belonging to the German Navy, arrived off Limassol last week, joining the increasing military naval power of European countries stationed in GCA.
ITALY AND NETHERLANDS SHIPS HAVE REACHED GCA
The Federico Martinengo frigate of the Italian Navy reached the vicinity of GCA with more than 160 personnel, while the Dutch air defense frigate HNLMS Evertsen began operations in Greek waters.
The Greek press reported that despite the temporary malfunction of the main naval gun on the Dutch frigate, it continued its operations in the region with an alternative weapon system.
Reports indicated that about 180 sailors were serving on the HNLMS Evertsen, highlighting the frigate's high-level air defense capability.
SPANISH SHIP WILL ESCORT FRENCH AIRCRAFT CARRIER
According to a report by Philenews, which broadcasts from GCA and is based on a statement from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Cristobal Colon frigate will escort the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and some Greek warships in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The report noted that Cristobal Colon could undertake a mission that includes not only providing air defense and protection for the ships but also assisting in the "evacuation of non-military personnel."