The UK is sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to Cyprus after a drone strike hit RAF Akrotiri, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed. The move aims to protect British personnel and strengthen regional defence.
Sir Keir emphasized that the UK will focus on defensive operations and will not take part in offensive strikes against Iran, citing lessons learned from the Iraq War. He also spoke with the president of Cyprus to coordinate security efforts.
The deployment comes amid disruptions for British nationals, with flight cancellations and airspace closures affecting major hubs like Doha and Dubai. A government charter flight from Muscat is planned to help stranded citizens return home.
Tensions continue after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks. France is also reinforcing air defences in Cyprus, while disagreements between the UK and US over base access during initial strikes have been publicly noted.
