Nicosia, Cyprus. The UK defence ministry said RAF F-35 fighter jets operating in Jordanian airspace shot down drones on Tuesday evening, with Cyprus described as the likely launchpad for the mission. The ministry said the action was taken in defence of Jordan.
UK defence ministry statement on drone engagement
The defence ministry said F-35 fighter jets operating in Jordanian airspace “shot down uncrewed aerial systems in defence of Jordan”. It said the engagement “marks the first time a [Royal Air Force] F-35 has shot down a target on operations”, and that the jets were supported by Typhoon aircraft and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The ministry said the engagement took place “as part of our operation to protect British interests and allies”.
Reports of F-35 deployment to Cyprus
According to reports, F-35 fighter jets have been stationed in Cyprus since last month, with six aircraft deployed from the RAF base in Marham, Norfolk, to Cyprus amid fears of a conflict erupting in the Middle East. British newspaper The Times reported at the time that the British government had “concerns [that] the US could attack Iran and plunge the region into a wider conflict”.
UK deploys HMS Dragon and helicopters to Cyprus area
Earlier on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, and two AW159 Wildcat helicopters would be deployed to Cyprus and its vicinity to defend British bases on the island after the Akrotiri base was hit by an Iranian-made drone on Monday.
Minister comments on threats from Iran
British Armed Forces Minister Alistair Cairns said at a press conference that “any threat that emanates from Iran, that threatens our British interests, or, more importantly, the hundreds of thousands of [British] citizens in the Middle East, we will neutralise that threat, and we won’t make any apologies for it”. He later wrote on social media that “we will take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard our people and defend our national interests”.
What do you think the UK deployment to Cyprus and the surrounding area means for regional security?
