The United Kingdom has deployed six F-35B Lightning jets to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise. The move, which took place in February, was initially kept low-key by the British government, which sought to avoid appearing as a direct participant in any US-led operation against Iran.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly refused a request from US President Donald Trump to use British airbases for bombing missions against Iran, judging that an attack would be illegal under international law. Trump later complained about the UK's decision, linking it to the sovereignty dispute over the Chagos Islands and the Diego Garcia airbase.
The UK's military posture in the region has been constrained by a lack of naval assets. The Royal Navy currently has no permanently deployed frigates or destroyers in the Middle East for the first time since 2019, following the retirement of HMS Lancaster. A single minehunter remains, and three destroyers are available but not on station.
During the early stages of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, a missile and drone attack narrowly missed around 300 British personnel in Bahrain, while three Shahed-type drones targeted Akrotiri, striking a runway. The incident prompted the evacuation of nearby villages and raised concerns among Cypriot authorities.
Starmer later agreed to allow US forces to use British bases for targeting Iranian missile silos, and officials have indicated that the UK may need to participate more actively in strikes. HMS Dragon has been readied for deployment but will take over a week to reach Cyprus, highlighting concerns about the UK's ability to protect the 300,000 British nationals in the Gulf region.
