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More Than 15 European Warships Rush to Mediterranean After Iranian Attacks on Cyprus
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More than 15 warships from several European countries are deploying to the Mediterranean Sea following attacks on Cyprus linked to Iran, as regional tensions continue to rise, according to Defense Mirror on March 11.
The Netherlands confirmed that its air defense and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen will operate in the eastern Mediterranean until early April to help support the defense of Cyprus and allied territory.
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Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen and Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius announced the deployment to parliament, describing it as part of a broader European response to the escalating security situation.
The frigate is equipped with long-range sensors capable of detecting airborne threats and supporting the protection of allied forces. It has previously operated alongside the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle as part of a carrier strike group tasked with defending against drone and missile threats.
France has also expanded its presence in the region. Paris announced the deployment of eight frigates and two amphibious assault ships to the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
These ships are joining a carrier strike group centered around the Charles de Gaulle, which is already operating after a recent drone attack on a Cyprus-based joint operations installation.
During a visit to the carrier, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the security of Cyprus is a matter of concern for all of Europe.
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Speaking alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron said that when Cyprus comes under attack, it affects Europe as a whole.
The United Kingdom has also reinforced its naval presence by sending the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon from Portsmouth to the eastern Mediterranean.
The destroyer is equipped with the Sea Viper air defense system, which will be used to protect British interests and allied assets in the region.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey said the deployment preparations were completed within six days.
In addition, three Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron, armed with Martlet missiles, have been deployed to Cyprus to counter drone threats.
A Merlin airborne surveillance helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron has also arrived to provide early warning of incoming missiles or drones.
Greece has contributed F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the newly commissioned Kimon (F601) frigate.
Italy has announced the deployment of its guided-missile frigate ITS Federico Martinengo.
The United States already maintains a significant naval presence in the region.
The aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are currently operating nearby, while USS George H.W. Bush is preparing to enter the eastern Mediterranean.
Supporting these deployments are more than 30 US warships, including guided-missile destroyers such as USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge, and USS Winston S. Churchill.
Earlier, United States forces struck another Iranian missile corvette belonging to the Shahid Soleimani class, one of the most modern surface combatants operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
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