Nicosia, Cyprus. Britain, France and Greece are sending air-defence forces to Cyprus after drones struck the Royal Air Force Akrotiri base on the island, prompting a broader regional defence response by European allies on Tuesday.
Drone strike and interceptions
Senior Cypriot officials said an Iranian-made Shahed drone hit the British base’s runway after flying at low altitude to evade radar, most likely launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah from Lebanon. Two other drones were intercepted.
Evacuations near the base
The Akrotiri base, though considered sovereign British territory, is close to populated areas inhabited by Cypriots. Officials said hundreds evacuated their homes as Cyprus was pulled into turmoil following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the region by Tehran.
Cyprus defence capabilities and modernisation
Cyprus has modest defence capabilities and no air force, and has been stepping up modernisation efforts in recent years, including the purchase of the Barak MX air-defence system.
France deployment
France, in a plan communicated to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides early on Tuesday, is sending anti-missile and anti-drone systems, as well as a frigate, Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said.
Britain deployment
Britain said it would deploy the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and two Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet missiles to strengthen defences in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ministry of Defence said the destroyer, fitted with the Sea Viper missile system, would enhance Britain’s ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones.
The ministry said the deployment followed British forces shooting down multiple drones in the region over the past 24 hours, including RAF F-35B jets engaging Iranian drones over Jordan for the first time.
Greece deployment
Greece sent four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including one carrying the Centauros anti-drone jamming system used previously against Houthi attacks off Yemen. Centauros can detect and incapacitate low-flying drones, including those hugging terrain or skimming the sea surface.
“Greece is present, and will continue to be present to assist in any way in the defence of the Republic of Cyprus,” Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said during a visit to Nicosia.
What impact do you think these deployments will have on security in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean?
