Spain to Dispatch Frigate to Cyprus for Protection Mission

The Spanish Ministry of Defense has announced the deployment of the frigate Cristóbal to Cyprus to carry out protection and air defense tasks.

The Spanish vessel will accompany the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Greek warships. The decision was made following an Iranian drone attack on the British base in Akrotiri.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the frigate will conduct protection and air defense missions and will also be capable of participating in a possible evacuation of civilian personnel if necessary.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that EU countries are strengthening coordination regarding the situation around Cyprus. Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain are considering sending additional naval forces to ensure the island's security as part of support for an EU member state.