France And South Cyprus Conduct Joint Amphibious Exercise

The drill was conducted as part of technical training cooperation between the two sides and involved personnel from French naval units alongside members of the Greek Cypriot National Guard. Although the exercise concluded on Sunday, no specific location for the landing operation was disclosed.

In a statement, the French armed forces said the activity provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, enhance interoperability through joint training, and reinforce solidarity among European allies in the context of collective security.

Local media highlighted that the exercise took place during the period in which the French carrier and its accompanying warships were deployed in waters near Cyprus. The presence of the carrier group in the region has been noted as part of broader naval activity linked to evolving security dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides had previously reached out to European leaders following heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly after a drone incident on March 2 involving the British sovereign base area at Akrotiri (Ağrotur). In the wake of regional developments, he reportedly sought support from European partners.

France responded to these developments by deploying the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group, along with escort vessels, to waters off the southern Cypriot port of Paphos, reflecting its continued military presence and engagement in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.