European allies are swiftly mobilizing to strengthen Cyprus' defenses after a British air base on the island was targeted by drones over the weekend. This unexpected development has thrust Cyprus, a small nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, into the aftermath of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French frigate, the Languedoc, will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday evening, as part of a coordinated response. Greece has already pledged to send four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the Psara, equipped with the Greek anti-drone system Centauros. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, during a visit to Nicosia, assured that Greece is committed to supporting Cyprus in its defense. The UK is also sending 'very expensive and highly capable' equipment, including a Type 45 air defense destroyer, to bolster Cyprus' layered air defense system. However, questions arise regarding the cost-benefit ratio and the number of missiles available to counter multiple swarms of Shahed 136 drones. The situation has sparked anxiety among British military families and local Cypriots, with British families and hundreds of local Cypriots being evacuated from the base. Cyprus has criticized the UK's handling of the situation, emphasizing that the British bases should not be used for anything other than humanitarian purposes. The UK has not specified the origin of the drones, but the Cypriot government suspects Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. British officials believe the first drone was launched before Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK's support for US 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites. Bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers, according to Starmer. The last attack on RAF Akrotiri, the British base in question, occurred in 1986 by pro-Libyan militants, resulting in three injuries. This incident has raised concerns about the UK's readiness to protect its overseas bases, prompting the government to bring in additional radar, air, and counter-drone capabilities. The UK has not disclosed the source of the drone that hit the base, but the Cypriot government suspects Hezbollah in Lebanon.
