European allies are swiftly mobilizing to fortify Cyprus' defenses after a British air base on the island came under drone attack over the weekend. This unexpected development has thrust Cyprus, a small Eastern Mediterranean nation, into the eye of the storm following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French frigate, the Languedoc, will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday evening, while Greece has pledged to send four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including one 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 the defense of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the situation has sparked anxiety among British military families and some locals, with British families and hundreds of local Cypriots being evacuated from the base due to the drone scare. The British government has responded by deploying additional radar, air, and counter-drone capabilities, but questions arise regarding the readiness of these measures to protect overseas bases. The UK has not specified the origin of the drones, but the Cypriot government suspects the involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon, backed by Iran. This incident has also led to criticism from Cyprus regarding the UK's handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for clarity on the use of British bases for humanitarian purposes only.
