Cyprus under shield: Italy sets sail with allies against the Iranian threat

ROME, March 5, 2026 — Italy is preparing to send naval units to the eastern Mediterranean to help protect Cyprus following recent attacks attributed to Iran. The announcement came from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who spoke of a joint initiative with Spain, France, and Netherlands “in the coming days.”

The mission: protect Cyprus and the southeastern European flank

The decision stems from fears that the war with Iran could expand to the southeastern “edge” of Europe, with Cyprus at the forefront. This week, the British base RAF Akrotiri (in the south of the island) was identified as a target for attack drones, reigniting concerns about the vulnerability of strategic infrastructures in the area.

Cyprus is also a key point for logistics and security in the Levant: here converge the interests of NATO, European partners, and regional allies. Not surprisingly, Athens has already reacted by sending two Greek frigates to support the island.

Among the units that could move quickly is the frigate Spartaco Schergat (class FREMM), which is off the coast of Sicily and is concluding the NATO Dynamic Manta exercise. The operational limit is logistical: before heading to Cyprus, the ship should return to base for refueling.

According to internal assessments, a more robust option for air defense would be a Horizon class destroyer, thanks to its long-range radars. But here availability comes into play: the Andrea Doria is far away (off the coast of Norway), while the Caio Duilio is under maintenance in La Spezia. Translated: the Italian choice will depend on the compromise between speed of deployment and surveillance and engagement capability.

On the operational level, the involved navies could coordinate without a single national command: multinational cooperation with separate command chains, but a common goal.

The European response: French aircraft carrier, Spanish frigate, UK moves, and German caution

The European push is led by France: President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier group (initially in exercise in northern Europe) to head towards the Mediterranean. The arrival is expected between the end of the week and the beginning of the next, according to French Minister Catherine Vautrin.

Spain has already joined the formation: the frigate Cristóbal Colón has been identified as a key asset for protection and air defense, in synergy with a Spanish Patriot battery deployed in Turkey. Madrid also foresees a possible role for civilian evacuations if the crisis worsens.

The United Kingdom, on the other hand, is relying on the Type 45 Dragon to strengthen the security of the base in Cyprus, but the ship is still in preparation and could set sail only next week. The Netherlands is sending the frigate Evertsen, with the mission still to be defined. Germany remains more cautious: Berlin speaks of support for “preventive measures,” but maintains that regional and NATO plans already ensure an adequate level of readiness.

Meanwhile, Italy is also looking beyond Cyprus: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that Rome will send air defense systems to protect the Gulf States, and in Italian circles, the hypothesis of deploying the SAMP/T is growing.