UK bolsters Cyprus bases with warship and anti-drone helicopters

Britain is strengthening the defence of its military bases in Cyprus with new naval and air deployments, including armed helicopters and a Royal Navy destroyer, as tensions rise across the Middle East.

Speaking in London on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that two British Army Wildcat helicopters arrived in Cyprus today as part of additional security measures to protect British personnel and facilities on the island. The helicopters are equipped with Martlet missiles designed specifically to intercept and destroy drones.

The deployment follows a recent drone incident targeting the RAF base at Akrotiri in southern Cyprus. Starmer said the attack caused no serious damage and that the situation remains under control, but stressed that the safety of British personnel and military installations is the government’s highest priority.

“The security of our personnel and our military facilities is paramount,” the Prime Minister said, adding that further protective measures are being implemented around British bases in the region.

Cyprus hosts two permanent British sovereign base areas that already serve as major operational hubs. RAF Akrotiri, located on the south coast of the island, hosts Typhoon fighter jets, transport aircraft, aerial refuelling tankers, surveillance aircraft, drones and helicopters. The base also accommodates several US U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

On the eastern side of the island, the British Army maintains a helicopter base at Dhekelia airfield.

In addition to the helicopter deployment, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to arrive in the Eastern Mediterranean next week to strengthen air and drone defence around the bases. The warship is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system, which the UK Ministry of Defence says can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and guide up to sixteen simultaneously.

The reinforcement comes amid heightened tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and warnings from Tehran that neighbouring countries hosting American forces could become targets for retaliation.

Despite the increased military presence, Starmer stressed that the United Kingdom is not seeking further escalation in the region.

“We do not seek conflict and we are working with our allies to de-escalate tensions,” he said, adding that London is in close contact with regional partners and European governments to coordinate diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the Middle East.

The Prime Minister also reiterated that British facilities in Cyprus have not been used for offensive operations against Iran.

Meanwhile, the UK government is continuing efforts to assist British nationals in the region. According to Starmer, more than 140,000 people have registered with authorities so they can receive information and support. Rapid deployment teams have already been sent to Oman and Saudi Arabia, while consular teams have assisted hundreds of vulnerable citizens.

Despite widespread airspace closures, the government says it is working with airlines, travel companies and foreign governments to secure safe travel routes. More than 4,000 people have already returned to the United Kingdom on commercial flights from the United Arab Emirates, and additional flights are continuing. Starmer also confirmed that the first charter evacuation flight from Oman departed earlier on Thursday.

The UK Defence Secretary is currently in Cyprus coordinating the latest deployments and meeting British service personnel stationed on the island.

With information from the BBC.