London, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is considering sending an aircraft carrier in Cyprus’ direction as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its second full week, according to reports on Sunday.
Carrier notice and possible deployment
The BBC quoted defence sources as saying the crew of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been given notice that the ship must set sail from Portsmouth in five days. The BBC added that this may raise speculation that the carrier could be deployed to the Mediterranean to help defend British interests threatened during the conflict.
Other UK deployments and Akrotiri base
The UK has already sent two AW159 Wildcat helicopters armed with anti-drone missiles to Cyprus, and the HMS Dragon Type 45 destroyer warship is also expected to depart from Portsmouth within the coming days. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the deployment of HMS Dragon and the two helicopters after the Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian-made drone in the early hours of last Monday morning.
Operations from Cyprus and additional assurances
Starmer has since confirmed that Cyprus, and more specifically Akrotiri, has been used as the launchpad for missions aimed at engaging and shooting down drones fired from Iran. Those operations are being led by F-35 fighter jets, which have been stationed in Cyprus since last month. With the amount of military hardware on the island and in its vicinity increasing, Starmer said last Thursday that he wanted to be clear to everybody in Cyprus that every measure needed was being taken to protect them, protect the airbase, and protect other places in the region.
Greece and Turkey deployments
British assets on the island are being joined by assets from Cyprus’ other two guarantor powers, Greece and Turkey. Greece sent two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to the island last week, and Turkey deployed four F-16 fighter jets of its own, which were set to arrive on the island on Sunday.
Guarantor powers and Cyprus’ role
All three of Cyprus’ guarantor powers appear to be heading towards alignment regarding Cyprus’ role in the conflict.
What impact do you think the increasing military deployments around Cyprus could have on the island’s security?