Limassol: Greece's state-of-the-art frigate Kimon docked at the port of Limassol on Wednesday afternoon. The vessel, together with the frigate Psara, has been on the island since Wednesday morning to provide protection against Iranian drones.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Psara, which is equipped with the 'Centaur' anti-drone system, had arrived earlier at 11:15am for refuelling, while the Kimon remained at anchorage. At around 4pm, Kimon also berthed for refuelling purposes, while Psara departed to carry out patrol operations in the area.
In the meantime, according to UK media, a Royal Navy warship that was to deploy to Cyprus to help defend UK forces from Iranian air attacks will not leave the UK until next week. The Daily Mail reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday night the HMS Dragon would be sent to the Eastern Mediterranean after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone, but that officials believe that the vessel, which is currently in Portsmouth, will not be ready to set sail for days, as it was being readied for another mission after a routine maintenance period when the call came through to prepare to go to the Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet missiles that shoot down drones will be in place within days to bolster defence in the area, British officials said.