Mar 4, 11:45 AM
European Forces Deploy to Cyprus After Drone Strike on UK Base
Greece, France and Germany send military support as tensions rise in the eastern Mediterranean
European countries are reinforcing Cyprus with military assets after Iranian-made drones targeted a British air base on the island, raising security concerns across the eastern Mediterranean.
Officials in Nicosia said France will send a naval vessel and additional air defence equipment to strengthen Cyprus’ ability to counter drones and missiles. Germany has also agreed in principle to dispatch a warship, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
The deployments follow a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri shortly after midnight on Monday. Authorities said the attack caused minor damage to an aircraft hangar but no injuries. Two additional drones were intercepted later the same day by British fighter jets launched from the base.
Cypriot officials believe the drones were launched from Lebanon, likely by militants linked to Hezbollah. Greece has already moved quickly to reinforce the island, sending four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and dispatching two frigates to the region.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the response demonstrated strong cooperation between European partners.
He confirmed he had spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as European countries coordinated support.
The deployment is being carried out under the framework of the Greek–Cypriot Unified Defence Doctrine, a strategic defence plan between Athens and Nicosia designed to respond to threats against Cyprus. The developments come amid wider regional tensions following the outbreak of war involving Iran and its allies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that UK bases in Cyprus would not be used by the United States for offensive operations against Iran. Although London approved limited use of British facilities for defensive purposes earlier, Starmer told parliament that bases on the Mediterranean island were “not suitable” for those operations and would therefore not be used.
The arrival of European military assets is expected to strengthen Cyprus’ air defence capabilities as authorities prepare for the possibility of further drone or missile attacks in the region.
