John Healey, the UK defence secretary, has flown to Cyprus to manage the diplomatic fallout after a drone evaded detection and struck an RAF base on the island. The attack on RAF Akrotiri on Sunday prompted fury from Cypriot ministers, who criticised the failure to prevent the incident and a lack of timely warning to local residents.
UK officials believe the Shahed-type drone, a cheaply made Iranian design used as a one-way attack vehicle, was launched by pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon or western Iraq. However, an investigation has not conclusively determined its origin. The attack occurred during Iranian retaliatory bombardment following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed its supreme leader.
Though there were no injuries and damage was limited, the strike was the first against a British military installation on Cyprus in 40 years. The Cypriot government expressed anger, with President Nikos Christodoulides openly criticising the failure to stop the drone. The Cypriot high commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, said the country was 'disappointed' with British failures to warn people of the impending strike.
In response, the UK has sent the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, expected to arrive next week, along with two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities. Defence sources said these would improve the ability to spot and intercept low-flying drones. France and Greece have also deployed military support, including F-16 fighters and anti-missile systems. Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri and are expected to remain away for some time.
Healey met his Cypriot counterpart on Thursday morning in Nicosia. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the drone was launched before the UK announced on Sunday evening that it would allow the US to use two of its bases for defensive action against Iran. No RAF bases on Cyprus are being used by US bombers.
