John Healey, the UK defence secretary, has flown to Cyprus to address diplomatic tensions following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri that evaded detection. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved a Shahed-type drone believed to have been launched by pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon or western Iraq, though the exact origin remains unconfirmed.
The drone, a cheaply made Iranian design used as a one-way attack vehicle, struck the base without causing injuries or significant damage. However, the incident has sparked anger from the Cypriot government, which criticised the UK for failing to provide timely warnings to local residents. Cypriot High Commissioner Kyriacos Kouros expressed disappointment, stating that people were scared and expected more cooperation to prevent future incidents.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides openly criticised the failure to stop the drone, and his spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the UK's statement on Sunday lacked clarity regarding the use of British bases for purposes beyond humanitarian reasons. The Cypriot defence minister met Healey on Thursday morning in Nicosia to discuss the matter.
In response, the UK has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, expected to arrive next week, along with two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities. Defence sources said the Wildcats would improve the ability to spot and intercept low-flying drones. France and Greece have also deployed military support, including F-16 jets and anti-drone systems. Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri and are expected to remain away for some time.
