The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that hit the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Monday, a few minutes after midnight, was small, plastic, with a small footprint, flying low and slowly, managing to pass through the systems and "was not given due importance," sources with knowledge of military and operational matters have said.
They explained that what the radars detect is a dot that could be a large bird, an UAV or a missile, hence the mobilisation and the subsequent alarm of the authorities.
They also explained that currently, Cyprus, with its reinforced defensive armour from third countries, should feel secure, however they emphasised that no country can be 100% safe and that risks are always present.
At the moment, Cyprus is covered by four F16s from Greece (at 'Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos) and the frigates Kimon and Psara carrying the Centauros anti-drone system, the French aircraft carrier 'Charles de Gaulle' in the Mediterranean with double the number of aircraft and additional frigates, Spanish frigate 'Christopher Columbus' and a frigate from Italy. Military assistance may be sent from the Netherlands, while in the communication the Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, had with his German counterpart, the country emphasised that it is at Cyprus' disposal.
"The security and support from our partners also has symbolism for the Republic of Cyprus. They are not here because there is a danger or conflict, but because we must take measures," the sources noted.
It was also emphasised that these means may also contribute to the evacuation of foreign citizens from the region.
It was reiterated once again that there is no threat to Cyprus, but given that we are at the centre of regional developments, we must take measures for the security of our citizens and the Republic's infrastructure.
The same sources noted that during the meeting between the Minister of Defence and his British counterpart, John Healey, there was a stance of unease on the part of the latter regarding statements initially made by him and the Prime Minister, and Nicosia's dissatisfaction was expressed once again.
London assured that it would take measures to protect the Bases and the Republic with anti-drone systems, helicopters and frigates. Eurofighters and F35s are already stationed at the Bases.
It was also explained that the Greek F16s stationed in Paphos have a reconnaissance and interception role in the event of a suspected UAV, but on Wednesday, 4 March they took off primarily because there was a commercial flight in the air and the protection of this aircraft was paramount.
These sources explained that there is absolute coordination and communication of all liaisons starting from the military air control centre in Paphos to the British Bases, the National Guard in Cyprus and the Hellenic Forces and all those involved in operations.
"The fact that these countries are members of NATO helps us because the language of communication is common and we are also gaining experience. A meeting was also held in Paphos on the rules of engagement," it was explained.
There has also been communication with the US from the very beginning.
It was also underlined that depending on the risk, those who operate first have the ''upper hand''. The same sources explained that there is now a Cypriot officer at the Bases and when the sirens sound, there is complete coordination on the next steps.
In the early hours of 2 March, a Shahed-type drone struck military facilities in the British Bases, hosted in Akrotiri, in the southern tip of Cyprus, causing minor damage, amid regional turmoil following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The attack by the Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon, prompted heightened security measures, while several countries, including Greece and France said they were deploying warships, aircraft and other air defence assets to shield Cyprus. The UK also announced the dispatch of a warship. Nicosia reiterates that it has no involvement in the wider Middle East conflict.
(Source: CNA)
