GREEK REPORTER - Greek F-16s Investigate Suspected Aerial Activity Near Cyprus - By Tasos Kokkinidis - March 4, 2026

 GREEK  REPORTER

Greek F-16s Investigate Suspected Aerial Activity Near Cyprus

ByTasos Kokkinidis

March 4, 2026

Greek F-16 fighter jets were called into action over Cyprus on Wednesday. File photo. Credit: Hellenic Air Force

Two Greek F-16s were scrambled on Wednesday morning to intercept unidentified projectiles—initially suspected to be drones launched from Lebanon—heading toward Cyprus, according to government sources. The jets returned to base without incident.

Reports indicate that at 9:30 a.m., suspicious activity was detected originating from Lebanon with trajectories toward the British military bases at Akrotiri. Airspace over the area was temporarily closed to facilitate military operations.

Cypriot Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the incident is now believed to have been resolved. “The incident regarding which reports were received has been investigated and is now closed,” he wrote in a post. “Competent authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, and all appropriate measures are being taken in accordance with established procedures. Official updates will be provided on an ongoing basis.”

By decision of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), Greece has deployed naval and air assets to Cyprus to assist in the surveillance and protection of Cypriot airspace from a potential Iranian attack. The deployment includes:

• FDI Frigate Kimon: Embarking on its maiden voyage, the advanced FDI frigate is heading to Cyprus.
• MEKO-class Frigate: A second frigate, equipped with the domestically produced “Kentauros” anti-drone system, will join the fleet to address threats from unmanned aerial vehicles.
• F-16 fighters: A pair of F-16 Block 52+ aircraft has been dispatched to provide air defense support.

The deployment follows a telephone consultation between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The mission is being interpreted as a tangible sign of Athens’ support for Nicosia during a period of extreme regional volatility.

Related: US Authorizes Cyprus Embassy Exit as International Military Presence Surges