Greece Deploys FDI Frigate to Shield Cyprus Amid Iran Tensions

Greece moved swiftly to assist Cyprus, which has come under attack from hostile Iranian drones. Following a decision by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the Hellenic Armed Forces are deploying the FDI HN frigate Kimon (F-601) which is currently the most advanced Greek warship and the only one capable to provide long-range air defense thanks to her SEAFIRE MFR and ASTER 30 SAM, an additional (Hydra-class/MEKO 200HN) frigate, Psara (F-454), that is also equipped with HAI's CENTAUR C-UAS system, and two pairs of F-16 Viper fighter jets to Cyprus, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on March 2, 2026. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece procures CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for FDI HN Frigates

On Febryary 13, 2026, the Hellenic Navy signed a contract to acquire four Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for its Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates. The first system, each system with two S-100 air vehicles, will be deployed on frigate HS Kimon in spring 2026, alongside a land-based system for training, with initial crews completing training by the same period. Representing Naval News at DEFEA 2025, I first reported details on the Hellenic Navy’s S-100 programme in 2025, when Lubos Šrámek, Sales Director for Europe at Schiebel, shared exclusive insights into the S-100 CAMCOPTER UAS during an interview with me. My story for Naval News, here.

Senegalese Navy Conducted Historic First Anti-Ship Missile Launch

The Senegalese Navy announced on November 10, 2025, that it had reached a significant milestone in its operational development by successfully carrying out its first-ever anti-ship missile launch from one of its newest missile-equipped offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). At around 10:00 a.m. on November 9, the Walo-class (OPV 58S) vessel Cayor fired an MBDA MARTE Mk2/N lightweight anti-ship missile at a decommissioned CTM-type landing craft located approximately 15km away. The target ship had been loaded with shipping containers to increase its radar cross-section and to mimic a high-value target. The missile’s live warhead struck the containers with precision, though the landing craft itself remained afloat after the impact. The test was revealed to the public the following day, during the Journée des Forces Armées (Armed Forces Day), by Radio Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS). The missile launch represents the first-ever anti-ship missile launch from a Senegalese naval unit. My story for Naval News, here.