The President of Cyprus to meet with the head of British Intelligence (MI6)
The nightmare continues for the residents of Cyprus, particularly those living in the Akrotiri area, home to the British military base. Shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday (6/3/2026), sirens blared once again, though the alarm ended a few minutes later. On Thursday (5/3/2026), sirens sounded twice; however, no threat was detected according to official updates from the Cypriot government. So far, three drone attacks have been announced, one of which was successful, striking the British base at Akrotiri.
At the same time, a wall of protection has been established around Cyprus, while military forces sent by European countries are being reinforced following support from Greece with four F-16s and two frigates.
MI6 mobilization
Furthermore, a mobilization is observed within the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with the head of the Service, Blaise Metreweli. Her visit follows a series of diplomatic and defense contacts between Cyprus and its partners after recent incidents involving the British military bases on the island.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, British Defense Secretary John Healey held talks with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, emphasizing that the "friendship" between the UK and Cyprus remains strong. Healey stated that the two sides discussed how Britain is "further strengthening its air defense to support our shared security." The Cypriot Ministry of Defense reported that the meeting included an exchange of views on the security situation in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, confirming a mutual intent to bolster communication and crisis management cooperation.
Wall of protection
With Greece being among the first countries to dispatch forces to Cyprus (the frigates "Kimon" and "Psara" along with four F-16s), support is also being provided by France, Spain, and the Netherlands. However, according to Cypriot media, Italy, Germany, and the United States are considering sending additional forces, while the United Kingdom is reinforcing its fleet in the region to protect British bases. It is noted that Britain has also deployed AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopters, used by the British military for surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Greek frigate "Kimon"
The frigate "Kimon" carries ASTER 30 anti-aircraft missiles, EXOCET BLOCK 3c anti-ship missiles, MU90 torpedoes, 76/62 mm ammunition for various missions, RAM missiles for point defense, and 20mm Lionfish guns. Its superior features include the SeaFire 500 and AESA radar systems, which experts say provide a significant advantage to the operational capabilities of the "Kimon." It possesses an airspace surveillance range of nearly 500 km from its position, with the ability to simultaneously track more than 80 active targets.
The Greek frigate "Psara"
The frigate "Psara" is a MEKO 200HN class (Hydra-class) unit of the Hellenic Navy and is considered one of the primary first-line units of the Greek fleet. It features integrated surveillance radar, anti-aircraft defense, and anti-submarine warfare systems, along with the capacity for organic helicopter operations, allowing it to handle multiple simultaneous air, surface, and underwater threats. In recent years, it has participated in missions in the Eastern Mediterranean and international operations in the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping against drone attacks.
The "Kentauros" system, developed by Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), is a Greek-designed Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS). it is designed for the detection, tracking, and operational interception of hostile drones. Its function is based primarily on electronic warfare (soft-kill) technologies through jamming, disrupting the signal between the drone and its operator or satellite navigation systems. In this way, it can destabilize or cut off the control of a UAV before it approaches critical military or energy infrastructure.
The Spanish frigate "Cristóbal Colón"
The frigate "Cristóbal Colón" is the newest frigate of the Álvaro de Bazán class in the Spanish Navy. With a displacement of 6,391 tons and a length of approximately 146 meters, it is one of the most modern warships in the Spanish fleet. It can reach speeds of 28 knots and carries a crew of about 200. It is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and AN/SPY-1D(V) radar for detecting and countering air, naval, and missile threats. It features 48 Mk 41 Vertical Launch System cells for SM-2 and ESSM missiles, as well as eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Its armament includes a 127mm gun and two 25mm guns for close-in defense, and it can carry a Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk or NHIndustries NH90 helicopter, enhancing its sea and air capabilities.
The British destroyer HMS Dragon
The British destroyer HMS Dragon (D35) belongs to the Type 45 destroyer class of the Royal Navy. The ship has a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons and is equipped with the Sea Viper anti-aircraft missile system using Aster missiles, as well as the advanced SAMPSON radar for long-range threat detection. It specializes in countering aerial threats, such as missiles, drones, and aircraft, and often escorts aircraft carriers or protects sea zones of strategic importance.
The French frigate Languedoc
The FS Languedoc (D653) belongs to the Aquitaine class FREMM, part of the Franco-Italian program for developing modern multi-role frigates. It is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) unit equipped with advanced radar, anti-aircraft systems, and the capability to launch MdCN cruise missiles. It is noted that the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" has been ordered to sail toward the Eastern Mediterranean to assist in the protection of Gulf countries.
The Dutch HNLMS Evertsen
The Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) is currently operating alongside the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91). The ship is equipped with advanced air and naval defense systems, as well as the Aegis Combat System. It features 48 Mk 41 Vertical Launch System cells for SM-2 and ESSM missiles, along with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Its armament is completed by a 127mm gun and 25mm guns for close-in defense.
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