NICOSIA, Cyprus—Britain, France and Greece are deploying anti-drone and naval assets to Cyprus after a drone attack damaged a British air base on the Mediterranean island, drawing the European Union member deeper into regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tuesday.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that the United Kingdom was sending helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities to Cyprus and deploying the air defense destroyer HMS Dragon to the region. The moves are intended to bolster air defenses and stabilize the area after the attack on RAF Akrotiri.

France plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus, according to Cypriot officials. French President Emmanuel Macron communicated the decision to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides early Tuesday.

Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said France would also dispatch a frigate as part of the reinforcement effort. The Joint Staff of the French army said it was constantly assessing the situation.

“The French armed forces are acting in coordination with our regional partners with a view to contributing to the stability of the region, particularly under existing defense agreements,” the statement said.

Attack forces evacuations

Monday’s attack on RAF Akrotiri damaged the runway at the base, which is sovereign British territory but located near populated Cypriot communities. Authorities said hundreds of residents evacuated their homes as a precaution.

Cypriot officials said an Iranian-made Shahed drone evaded radar by flying at low altitude and likely originated from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon. British forces intercepted two other drones during the incident.

Greece dispatched four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus. Two frigates also were en route, including one equipped with the Centauros anti-drone jamming system.

According to reports, the Centauros system has been used against Houthi rebels targeting shipping lanes off Yemen and is capable of detecting and disabling low-flying drones, including those flying close to terrain or skimming the sea surface.

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“Greece is present and will continue to be present to assist in any way in the defense of the Republic of Cyprus,” Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said during a visit to Nicosia on Tuesday.

Cyprus maintains limited defense capabilities and does not operate a substantial air force. The country historically relied on Russia for military equipment but has sought to modernize its forces in recent years, including acquiring the Barak MX air defense system to strengthen aerial coverage.

The developments underscore the widening security implications of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with Cyprus emerging as a strategic focal point in the eastern Mediterranean.