British troops shot down 14 Iranian “kamikaze” drones targeting allied bases in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The incident marked the largest number of drones destroyed in a single night since joint military action against Iran began over three weeks ago.
Defence Secretary John Healey informed ministers at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that a counter-drone team intercepted the drones attacking the Erbil base in northern Iraq, which houses British and American troops. A defence source described the action as “hugely impressive”, noting that the rate of attacks had returned to pre-Eid levels.
Specialist troops from the RAF Regiment used the UK's Rapid Sentry air defence system to defeat the unmanned aerial vehicles. The Ministry of Defence also announced that additional British Army Stormer air defence systems with state-of-the-art missiles had arrived in Cyprus to strengthen regional defences.
Royal Air Force Typhoons and F-35 jets continued defensive missions overnight over Cyprus, Jordan, and Qatar. The MoD stated that force protection measures remain at the highest levels to ensure UK personnel safety, with close coordination with allies.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated that millions of British households would receive no help with soaring energy bills due to the Iran conflict, but promised targeted support for those most in need. The UK is also reportedly considering sending a Royal Navy ship to hunt mines in the Strait of Hormuz as part of an international effort.
