The United Kingdom has announced the deployment of additional military assets to Cyprus following a drone strike that hit RAF Akrotiri, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer confirmed that helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities will be sent to the region, alongside the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s six advanced Type 45 air-defence warships.
In a statement shared on X, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to protecting its personnel and allies in Cyprus.
“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,” he wrote.
The move comes as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East following joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran over the weekend, which were followed by retaliatory strikes by Tehran targeting neighbouring states and American interests.
British officials had also reportedly been considering sending another Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan, to reinforce the region as the conflict enters its third day.
The growing crisis has disrupted travel across the Gulf, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded after widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations. Major aviation hubs including Doha and Dubai have experienced significant service suspensions.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government is arranging a charter flight to assist British nationals trying to leave the region. The flight is expected to depart from Muscat in the coming days, as Oman remains one of the few Gulf countries where flights are still operating.
Starmer also reiterated that Britain will not take part in offensive military strikes against Iran, citing the 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, well-considered plan,” he said.
Reports have also indicated that Starmer and Donald Trump 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 eventually granted, though Trump reportedly expressed disappointment over the delay.
Meanwhile, France has signalled that it will strengthen air-defence systems in Cyprus following the attack.
Starmer emphasised that the strike on RAF Akrotiri was not linked to Britain’s decision regarding US base access, as European allies move to reinforce their defensive posture amid rising regional instability.