Nicosia seeks the permanent presence of fighter jets of the Greek Air Force, in the context of further deepening defense cooperation with Athens and strengthening the deterrent capability of the Republic of Cyprus.
Following the events in early March and the attack on the British Bases in Akrotiri, Limassol, by Hezbollah drones, Nicosia is seeking more effective protection of the Cypriot FIR. To achieve this, the periodic presence of Greek fighters at the air base in Paphos is not enough, but a more stable and permanent presence.
As "F" is informed, the presence of Greek fighter jets in Cyprus is expected to be expanded, within the framework of these plans. In addition to the rotation of crews, it is not excluded that there will be a change in the type of aircraft that will be stationed or operating from Cypriot territory.
Greek F-16 fighters are currently in Cyprus, while, according to the same information, the possibility of them being replaced at a later stage by another type of aircraft, such as the twin-engine F-4 Phantom, is being considered.
The presence of Greek fighters in Cyprus also serves as a field of operational familiarization for the NGGS, mainly in terms of cooperation, coordination and interoperability with the Greek Air Force.
The same philosophy in naval deterrence
A Greek frigate of the Navy will also have a permanent presence in the Cypriot sea, for the effective protection and surveillance of the Cypriot EEZ. This is a move that provides stability against asymmetric threats from the Middle East, while at the same time it will give the Cypriot naval forces the opportunity for more joint training and the acquisition of important experiences.
Currently, the frigate ELLI (F 450) is in our area, which is equipped with 2 naval guns of 76 mm. OTO Melara, 2 Phalanx close protection systems, Harpoon surface-to-surface guided missile system and Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles. ELLI also has anti-submarine warfare weapons and electronic countermeasure systems.
The Greek naval forces will alternate for the rest of their crews.
And the French forces on alert
The new Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Cyprus and France establishes a legal framework for joint operations, exercises and military presence on the territory of the two countries.
The agreement regulates the rights and obligations of military personnel during exercises, missions or operations, administrative, operational and logistical support issues, as well as the conditions for cooperation in joint training and multinational missions. The aim of the agreement is to facilitate operational cooperation, enhance interoperability and respond more quickly to joint security and defence missions.
As stated by the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, "the agreement is the culmination of the already close strategic relationship between the two countries, which is based on the Cyprus-France Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in Paris last December".
The cooperation, as mentioned, covers from coordination on regional security issues to the development and procurement of defense systems, with a particular focus on the security of the Eastern Mediterranean.
In practice, the agreement facilitates faster deployment and support of military forces, reduces bureaucratic and legal obstacles, and enhances the possibility of joint operations or missions in times of crisis. The agreement also reflects the gradual transition of European defence policy from statements of strategic cooperation to binding operational tools.
The cooperation between the two countries includes naval, land and air dimensions, with joint exercises such as ARGONAUT and EUNOMIA, as well as a French military presence in the region as part of security and surveillance missions.
