The German frigate FGS Nordrhein-Westfalen has arrived at the port of Limassol, joining a growing number of international military vessels deployed to Cyprus amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said earlier this week that Germany would assist with “preventive measures” aimed at protecting the island, following a drone strike on Monday believed to involve an Iranian-made drone.
The move comes after communication between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Germany’s support for the island’s security, similar to assistance already provided by Greece and France.
Several NATO and EU members have deployed military assets to the region. The French frigate FS Languedoc arrived in Cypriot waters on Wednesday, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will also be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean.
Italy plans to send the frigate Federico Martinengo, while Spain will dispatch the frigate Cristóbal Colón.
Earlier, Greece deployed four F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to Cyprus along with two frigates, including Kimon, which Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described as “the pride of the Greek fleet.”
Following Greece’s deployment, Turkey also announced it would send four of its own F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to the island.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom — which maintains sovereignty over the RAF Akrotiri airbase — has deployed two AW159 Wildcat helicopters armed with anti-drone missiles to Cyprus. The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is also expected to depart from Portsmouth in the coming days.
According to the BBC, the UK is also considering sending the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the region. Crew members have reportedly been notified that the vessel could depart from Portsmouth within five days.
Last week, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that Cyprus — particularly the Akrotiri base — has been used as a launch point for missions targeting and intercepting drones launched by Iran.
These operations are being carried out by F-35 Lightning II fighter jets stationed on the island since last month.
