Headlines
France to send anti-drone systems to cyprus after British base attack, report says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 3, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 3, 2026
Quick Summary
France will dispatch anti-missile and anti-drone systems, plus a frigate, to Cyprus after RAF Akrotiri was struck by an Iranian-made Shahed drone and others intercepted. This complements Greece’s deployment of F‑16s, frigates and the Centauros jamming system amid rising regional tensions.
France to send anti-drone systems to Cyprus after British base attack, report says
France's Military Support to Cyprus Following Drone Attack
Background of the Incident
NICOSIA, March 3 (Reuters) - France plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus after a British air base on the island was attacked by drones, the semi-official Cyprus News Agency (CNA) said on Tuesday.
Details of French Assistance
France would send anti-missile and anti-drone systems, as well as a frigate, CNA reported. It said French President Emmanuel Macron communicated the intention to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides early on Tuesday.
A Cypriot government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. The French defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
International Response and Regional Security
The reported French aid to the island follows Greece's offer of assistance hours after RAF Akrotiri, a British sovereign base, was targeted in two separate drone incidents on Monday.
Details of the Drone Attack
In the first instance an Iranian-made Shahed drone crashed into the runway of the base, causing limited damage. Hours later two other drones were intercepted.
Suspected Perpetrators
Senior Cypriot officials say the attack was carried out by an Iranian Shahed drone most likely fired by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah from Lebanon. The officials have stressed that the base - considered sovereign British territory - rather than Cyprus, was the target.
British and U.S. Involvement
Britain said on Sunday that it had accepted a U.S. request to use its military bases for "defensive" strikes against Iran, a day after the launch of a U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran, which triggered Iranian retaliation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later said Britain's bases on Cyprus were not being used by U.S. bombers.
Cyprus has asked Britain that the bases only be used for humanitarian purposes.
Greek Support and Anti-Drone Technology
Greece on Monday dispatched four F-16 fighter jets to the island. Two frigates, one equipped with its anti-drone Centauros jamming system, were also sailing to Cyprus.
Centauros Jamming System Capabilities
Centauros, which has been successfully deployed against Houthi rebels attacking shipping lanes off Yemen, has the capability of detecting and incapacitating low-flying drones, such as the one which crashed into RAF Akrotiri and evaded radars, Cypriot defence sources said.
(Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by David Goodman, Aidan Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •France’s planned deployment includes anti-missile and anti‑drone capabilities and a frigate, as conveyed by President Macron to President Christodoulides, confirmed by a Cypriot government source and CNA report (theguardian.com).
- •The incident involved a Shahed drone crashing onto RAF Akrotiri’s runway with limited damage and two additional drones later intercepted (theguardian.com).
- •Greece responded swiftly by sending two frigates (one equipped with the Centauros anti‑drone jamming system) and two F‑16 jets to bolster Cyprus’s defenses (ekathimerini.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about France to send anti-drone systems to Cyprus after British base attack, report says
1Why is France sending anti-drone systems to Cyprus?
France is sending anti-drone systems to Cyprus after a British air base on the island was attacked by drones.
2What happened at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus?
RAF Akrotiri was targeted in two drone incidents, including an Iranian-made Shahed drone crash and two drones being intercepted.
3What military assistance has Greece provided to Cyprus?
Greece dispatched four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, one with the Centauros anti-drone jamming system, to Cyprus.
4What is the Centauros system?
Centauros is an anti-drone jamming system capable of detecting and incapacitating low-flying drones.
5Who confirmed France's intention to send military aid to Cyprus?
A Cypriot government source confirmed France's offer to supply anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus.