The Greek frigates "Kimon" and "Psara" arrived in Cyprus to provide protection to the island following drone strikes at Akrotiri, complementing Athens' assistance to Nicosia, which also includes the four F-16 Vipers already stationed at the "Andreas Papandreou" base in Paphos.
Watch the video:
The frigates of the Hellenic Navy arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday morning.
The mission of the frigates "Kimon" and "Psara," along with the F-16s in Cyprus, establishes a clear operational footprint aimed at strengthening the island's anti-aircraft and anti-drone defenses.
Particular importance lies in the presence of "Psara," which carries the Greek-developed electronic warfare system "Kentavros" for countering unmanned threats, combined with the area air defense capabilities of "Kimon" and the aerial cover provided by the F-16s.
Capabilities of the Frigate "Kimon"
"Kimon," a frontline FDI HN (Belharra) unit of the Hellenic Navy, is the most advanced anti-aircraft platform in the Greek fleet. It has 32 vertical launch cells for Aster 30 missiles, providing long-range area air defense.
It is equipped with the AESA Sea Fire radar, capable of simultaneously tracking multiple aerial targets, along with an advanced combat system. This configuration allows "Kimon" to act as a hub for anti-air coverage over a wide area, not only for the ship itself but also for the operational zone.
Frigate "Psara" and the "Kentavros" System
The frigate "Psara" (MEKO 200HN class) is equipped with ESSM missiles for medium-range air defense, a CIWS Phalanx system for close-in protection, and integrated surveillance radars.
Of particular significance is the Greek-developed electronic warfare system "Kentavros," integrated into Hellenic Navy units.
Developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, "Kentavros" is a soft-kill system designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It detects and jams the communication and guidance signals of drones, neutralizing them without firing weapons.
Operational Significance
In an environment where UAV attacks are a key feature of modern conflicts, the presence of this system gains enhanced operational importance.
Frigate Capabilities:
- "Kentavros" is an electronic warfare system against UAVs.
- It detects, jams, and neutralizes hostile drones through electronic interference.
- It has already been operationally tested on surface units of the Hellenic Navy.
The system's presence is increasingly important in the context of drone attacks, offering an immediate capability to counter low-cost, low-signature threats, which are a hallmark of modern warfare.
It is also noted that, following Greece, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are reinforcing Cyprus' defense with aircraft carriers, frigates, fighter jets, and anti-drone systems.
Πηγή: en.protothema.gr
