The deployment of the frigates HS Kimon and HS Psara, as well as a pair of F-16s to Cyprus, following the second drone attack, takes on a clear operational character, aimed at reinforcing the island’s air-defense and counter-drone capabilities.
Of particular importance is the presence of “Psara,” which carries the Greek-developed electronic-warfare system “Centaur” to counter unmanned threats, in combination with the area air-defense capabilities of “Kimon” and the aerial coverage provided by the F-16Vs.
The capabilities of the frigate “Kimon”
The frigate “Kimon,” a frontline FDI HN (Belharra)-class unit of the Hellenic Navy, is the most advanced air-defense platform in the Greek fleet. It is equipped with 32 vertical-launch cells for Aster 30 missiles, which provide long-range area air-defense capability.
It is fitted with the Sea Fire AESA radar, capable of simultaneously tracking multiple aerial targets, as well as an advanced combat-management system. This configuration allows “Kimon” to function as an air-defense hub over a wide radius—not only for the ship itself but also for the broader area of operations.
In detail, it features:
- Vertical launchers for Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, enabling long-range area air defense
- Sea Fire AESA active electronically scanned radar
- SETIS combat-management system
- Anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons, plus a 76-mm naval gun
This platform is designed to provide wide-area air-defense coverage, directly linked to the mission of strengthening air defense in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The frigate “Psara” and the “Centaur” system
The frigate “Psara” (MEKO 200HN class) is armed with ESSM missiles for medium-range air defense, a Phalanx CIWS for close-in protection, and integrated surveillance radars.
Of particular significance, however, is the presence of the Greek-developed electronic-warfare system “Centaur,” which has been integrated into units of the Hellenic Navy.
“Centaur,” developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, is a soft-kill jamming system designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It detects and disrupts the communication and guidance signals of drones, disabling them without the use of kinetic fire.
In an environment where unmanned attacks are a defining feature of modern conflicts, the deployment of this system takes on heightened operational importance.
What the frigate carries:
- “Centaur,” an electronic-warfare system against UAVs
- Detection, jamming, and neutralization of hostile drones via electronic interference
- Proven operational testing aboard Hellenic Navy surface combatants
Its presence is especially significant in light of drone attacks, as it provides immediate capability against low-cost, low-signature threats that characterize contemporary warfare.
The role of the F-16 Viper
The two pairs of F-16s being deployed are in the Viper (Block 72) configuration—the most advanced version of the type in the Hellenic Air Force.
The F-16 Viper is equipped with the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, offering substantially enhanced detection and tracking capabilities compared with earlier versions. The system allows simultaneous engagement of multiple aerial threats and improved situational awareness.
They are certified to employ AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range and AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, and can conduct interception and Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions.
Their presence adds a mobile and flexible layer to the air-defense architecture, operating in complement with naval units and creating an additional tier of aerial coverage.
