Largest deployment of Royal Navy ships

THE UK sent its “largest ever deployment” of Royal Navy ships to Cyprus on Wednesday, British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie announced, to take part in joint exercises with the Greek Cypriots.

“This is the largest ever deployment of Royal Navy ships to Cyprus and the first time UK and Cypriot forces will train together on Cypriot soil,” Mr Lillie said.

“The scale of the deployment and its programme of activities here in Cyprus is testament to the strength of our bilateral defence relationship and our commitment to doing more together, as outlined in our 2019 [Memorandum of Understanding].”

In a video message issued via Twitter, Commodore Pedre said: “Our visit to Cyprus, as part of the Littoral Response Group Experimentation deployment, exemplifies the UK’s enduring commitment to regional security and European defence.

“We’re proud to be conducting training with the [Greek Cypriot] National Guard, which will maintain regional security and stability.

“We’re also delighted to be participating in the multinational crisis response exercise Nemesis, for the seventh year running, working alongside the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and key partners.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be conducting a wide range of experimentation including new high-end technology and also new concepts which will help to inform the UK’s future Navy and future Commando Force.

“The UK remains a key player in this region, here in the Eastern Mediterranean, contributing much to regional security and stability.”