The Italian frigate has arrived in the Cyprus area. From the USA to Turkey, here is how nine countries defend the island
The security operation was triggered after an Iranian-made drone struck a British military base on the island on 2 March
The naval fleet defending Cyprus is now deployed. Departing last Friday from Taranto, the Italian missile frigate 'Federico Martinengo', the navy unit in charge of taking part in the defence and surveillance operation decided as a consequence of the war in Iran, has reached the island. The ship will operate in coordination with naval units from France, Spain and the Netherlands. The security operation was triggered after an Iranian-made drone struck a British military base on the island on 2 March.
Below is the overall picture of the military resources sent to the region, in addition to those that had already been in place for some time before the conflict began on 28 February.
United States
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest US aircraft carrier, docked a fortnight ago at the Souda base on the Greek island of Crete before sailing east with escort ships carrying missiles.
United Kingdom
On 6 March, Britain sent Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone technology. As speculation grew in February about a possible US-led attack on Iran, Britain deployed additional F-35B jets to its base in Cyprus, joining the FGR4 Typhoon aircraft already there. Britain said it would also send its destroyer HMS Dragon to Cyprus.
Francia
France sent its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle into the eastern Mediterranean last week, deploying a dozen warships around it. On Tuesday it was off the Greek island of Crete and heading towards Cyprus. On Tuesday another French frigate was docked at the Souda base.
