UK sends counter-drone helicopters and HMS Dragon to Cyprus following Iran’s strike
The UK is deploying additional military assets to Cyprus after a drone strike hit RAF Akrotiri, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed.
Sir Keir said helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities would be sent to the region, alongside the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers in service.
Posting on X, the Prime Minister said: “The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there. We’re continuing our defensive operations, and I’ve just spoken with the president of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region. We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”
The announcement follows reports that the government had been considering dispatching another Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan, to the Middle East as tensions escalate. The conflict has entered its third day after joint US–Israel airstrikes on Iran over the weekend and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes targeting neighbouring states and American interests.
British nationals have been caught up in the disruption, with hundreds of thousands reportedly stranded in the region following widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations. Major hubs including Doha and Dubai have seen significant suspensions.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said a government-organised charter flight is expected to depart from Muscat, Oman, in the coming days. Oman remains one of the few Gulf countries where flights are still operating, prompting many travellers to cross borders in search of alternative routes home.
Sir Keir reiterated that the UK would not participate in offensive strikes against Iran, citing lessons learned from the Iraq War. “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any UK actions must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought-through plan,” he said.
The Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump have reportedly disagreed over Britain’s initial hesitation to allow US forces to use facilities on the Chagos Islands during the first wave of strikes. Permission was later granted, though Trump publicly expressed disappointment over the delay. France has also indicated it plans to bolster air defence systems in Cyprus following the drone strike.
Sir Keir stressed that the attack on RAF Akrotiri was not carried out in retaliation for the UK’s decision regarding US base access, as European allies increase defensive measures amid growing regional instability.
