Britain, France, and Greece are deploying air defense forces to Cyprus after a drone strike targeted the Royal Air Force Akrotiri base. Senior Cypriot officials reported an Iranian-made Shahed drone, likely launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah from Lebanon, struck the British base's runway. Two other drones were intercepted.
The Akrotiri base, though sovereign British territory, is near populated areas. This incident draws Cyprus, a nation with modest defense capabilities and no air force, into escalating regional turmoil.
France is sending anti-missile and anti-drone systems, along with the frigate Languedoc. Britain will deploy the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and two Wildcat helicopters to strengthen Eastern Mediterranean defenses. The HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system to counter aerial threats, including drones.