UK military deployments to Cyprus have been stepped up after a drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed. The UK is sending helicopters equipped with counter-drone technology to the island, along with the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers currently in service.
The Prime Minister told X that the UK remains fully committed to protecting its personnel in Cyprus and maintaining regional security. “We are continuing defensive operations,” Starmer said. “I have spoken with the president of Cyprus to confirm that helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon are being deployed. We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have entered a third day after joint US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks targeting neighbouring states and American assets. Reports indicate that the British government considered dispatching another Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan, to the region as the situation escalated.
The unfolding conflict has disrupted travel for British nationals, with hundreds of thousands stranded due to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations. Major hubs such as Doha and Dubai have experienced severe suspension of services. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that a government-organised charter flight is planned from Muscat, Oman, in the coming days. Oman remains one of the few Gulf countries where flights are still operating, forcing many travellers to cross borders in search of alternative routes home.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the UK will not participate in offensive strikes against Iran, reflecting lessons learned from past conflicts. “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned from them. Any UK actions must have a lawful basis and a viable, well-thought-out plan,” he said.
Tensions between the UK and the United States briefly surfaced over initial hesitations to allow US forces access to facilities on the Chagos Islands for the first wave of strikes. Permission was eventually granted, though US President Donald Trump reportedly expressed disappointment over the delay. France has also announced plans to strengthen air defence systems in Cyprus following the drone attack, highlighting growing regional concern among European allies.
Starmer made clear that the attack on RAF Akrotiri was not linked to the UK’s position on US base access. European partners are stepping up defensive measures as the Middle East faces increasing instability, and Britain is positioning itself to safeguard its personnel while avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict further.
