The Minister of Defence of Cyprus, Vasilis Palmas, expressed on Tuesday the gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus for Greece’s immediate response and the dispatch of frigates and F-16s from the very first moment, in order to create a protective umbrella over Cyprus due to the prolonged crisis in the region. He made these remarks during joint statements with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, in Athens. From his part, Dendias also referred to Nicosia's interest in acquiring "Centaur" the Greek anti-drone system.