Philenews

LIVE: Akrotiri Evacuation Until Friday, Six Regions on Alert – Dendias at Andreas Papandreou Airbase

Published March 3, 2026, 17:15
LIVE: Akrotiri Evacuation Until Friday, Six Regions on Alert – Dendias at Andreas Papandreou Airbase

Cyprus is on alert following the rapid developments in the Middle East and the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Greek F-16 fighter jets and frigates have been sent to Cyprus, with further strengthening of defensive armor expected from France, Germany and Italy. Britain is sending the HMS Dragon destroyer and helicopters capable of countering drones. The Akrotiri base has been put on an evacuation status until Friday, while six other areas are on alert. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is in Cyprus for meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, while he also visited the ‘Andreas Papandreou’ airbase in Paphos. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is considering strengthening Europe's defense capabilities, as well as providing funding for major defense projects in Cyprus. Discussions focus on boosting defenses against drones.