UK Sends Military Support to Cyprus After Drone Attack
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK is deploying a warship and two Royal Navy helicopters to Cyprus. This decision comes in response to an Iranian drone strike that hit the British Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri on Monday morning in the eastern Mediterranean.
In a post on social media, Starmer informed that he had spoken with the Cypriot president about the situation. The UK is sending helicopters equipped to counter drones and the air-defense destroyer HMS Dragon to bolster security in the area.
“The UK is fully committed to the safety of Cyprus and our military personnel stationed there,” Starmer stated. “We continue our defensive operations while prioritizing the interests of the UK and our allies.”
The drone strike occurred just after midnight on Monday, targeting a runway at the air base, causing minor damage but no injuries.
British Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s quick response to strengthen its defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. “HMS Dragon offers top-notch air defense capabilities, while our Wildcat helicopters are armed to counter the rising drone threats,” he said. “I am proud of our Armed Forces who are taking action in the region to protect our allies and safeguard British interests.”
The HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, is equipped with advanced technology to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including drones. The ship’s Sea Viper missile system can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds.
This deployment follows successful operations where British forces shot down several drones in the region in the last 24 hours. RAF F-35B jets successfully took down drones over Jordan, marking the jets’ first operational combat use. An RAF Typhoon also destroyed an Iranian drone aimed at Qatar.
Before this incident, Starmer addressed the rising threats from Iran, mentioning that their attacks have targeted airports and hotels frequented by British citizens. “We have about 200,000 British nationals in the area—residents, families vacationing, and travelers. I urge everyone to register their presence and adhere to travel advice,” he said, acknowledging the concerns of those in the region.
Starmer noted that Iranian forces also launched a strike on a military base in Bahrain, which narrowly avoided hitting British personnel. “Iran’s tactics are becoming increasingly reckless,” he remarked.
Though the UK has opted not to engage offensively in strikes against Iran, Starmer indicated that British forces would assist in defending their allies and citizens. He reiterated that the goal is to prevent further escalation and protect British lives and interests in the region.
