Defence Secretary John Healey arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday night on a mission to soothe diplomatic tensions inflamed by a drone strike on a vital British military outpost, as the island’s government voiced sharp criticism over the incident and the UK’s communication in its aftermath.
The strike targeted RAF Akrotiri shortly after midnight on Monday, marking the first attack on a British military installation on the island in 40 years, since a Libyan militant rocket attack in 1986. A Shahed-type drone, a cheaply made Iranian design used as a one-way attack vehicle, evaded detection and impacted the runway, causing minor material damage. Two further drones heading towards the base were successfully intercepted later that morning. No injuries were reported.
UK officials believe the drone that struck the base evaded radar by flying low and slow, and was likely launched by pro-Iranian militia from either Lebanon or western Iraq. Cypriot officials have similarly suggested the drone was fired by the Iran-backed Shia militia group Hezbollah from Lebanon. However, an ongoing investigation has been unable to conclusively establish the launch location.
The attack occurred during a wave of Iranian retaliatory bombardment over the weekend, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah, which is estimated to possess over 2,000 drones and has been actively engaged in drone attacks against Israel, is believed to have been responsible.
The failure to stop the drone and a perceived lack of warning has prompted a significant backlash from the Cypriot government. The country’s High Commissioner in the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, told the BBC that people were “disappointed” and “scared”, expecting more cooperation to prevent such incidents. President Nikos Christodoulides openly criticised the failure and stated Cyprus has no intention of participating in any military operation.
His spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, articulated the government’s “dissatisfaction” on Tuesday, noting there was “no clear clarification that the British bases in Cyprus would under no circumstances be used for any purpose other than humanitarian reasons” in a Sunday statement by the UK. He highlighted the lack of timely warning for Cypriot citizens living near Akrotiri and indicated that Cyprus is not ruling out renegotiating the status of the British bases.
The UK maintains two sovereign base areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which occupy nearly 3% of the island. Considered British Overseas Territories by London, their sovereignty is disputed by the Republic of Cyprus, and they have been used for military operations in the Middle East, including against Houthi targets in Yemen.
In response to the attack, the UK has bolstered its defences. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the drone was launched before the UK announced on Sunday evening it would allow the US to use two of its bases for defensive action against Iran, clarifying that no RAF bases on Cyprus are being used by US bombers. The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to arrive next week, alongside two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities, which defence sources said would improve the ability to spot and intercept low-flying drones.
The incident has had a direct impact on the ground. Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri and several surrounding areas, with non-essential personnel temporarily dispersed. Residents of the village of Akrotiri described feeling unsafe and uncertain, with many relocating to hotels, monasteries, or relatives’ homes. They are expected to remain away from the base for some time.
International allies have also stepped in. Both France and Greece have deployed military support to the country, including F-16 fighter jets and anti-missile and anti-drone systems. Greece has sent two frigates equipped with drone neutralisation systems.
Despite the attack, RAF Akrotiri continues its military operations. Defence Secretary Healey met with the Cypriot defence minister in Nicosia on Wednesday morning in an effort to manage the diplomatic fallout from an attack that has exposed local anxieties and the complex defence challenges posed by inexpensive, slow-flying drones.
