British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK is deploying helicopters equipped with counter-drone systems to Cyprus following a conversation with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
The UK will also send the HMS Dragon, one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers, to the Eastern Mediterranean. The announcement follows a suspected Iranian drone attack on a British airbase in Cyprus, which the Ministry of Defence described as causing “minimal” damage.
Monday’s incident came shortly after Starmer pledged UK support to the United States in its conflict with Iran, despite initial concerns over international law.
Starmer stated, “The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there. We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”
The HMS Dragon, crewed by over 200 personnel, is considered one of the world’s most capable air defence warships, able to launch eight missiles in under ten seconds.
As tensions rise in the Middle East amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, British forces in Iraq report having neutralised multiple drones believed to be heading toward coalition bases.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will deploy its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Accompanied by its air wing and frigates, Macron said the move demonstrates France’s commitment to its allies and to a recently signed strategic partnership with Cyprus.
Iran has warned of a potential escalation if other nations remain passive in the conflict.
