british bases — british bases — Cyprus “is only a target” because it hosts two British sovereign bases, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak stated on Sunday. His comments come in the wake of rising tensions in the region following a drone strike on the British Akrotiri air force base last week.
Sunak expressed frustration over the British government’s response to the situation, questioning why no naval ships were dispatched to the Mediterranean to safeguard British interests. “Given how much notice we had of these strikes, why was no ship moved to the Mediterranean to help protect our interests and allies?” he wrote in an opinion piece for The Times. He also highlighted that France seemed to be taking more decisive action than the UK in protecting Cyprus.
As part of a broader military response, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Cyprus on Monday, accompanied by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This follows the arrival of the French frigate Languedoc in Cypriot waters on Wednesday. The visit and military deployment underscore the significance of Cyprus in the current geopolitical climate.
In addition to French support, Greece has played a crucial role by deploying four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the pride of the Greek fleet, the Kimon, to bolster the island’s defences. These moves come as tensions in the eastern Mediterranean escalate.
In response to the drone strike, the UK has stepped up its military presence in Cyprus, sending two AW159 Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone missiles. The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is also preparing to set sail from Portsmouth in the coming days to enhance protection for the UK’s sovereign bases.
The UK government is reportedly considering sending an aircraft carrier to the region. The BBC has reported that the crew of the HMS Prince of Wales has received orders to prepare for departure within five days, indicating a potential escalation in military readiness.
Defence Secretary John Healey has also visited Cyprus, meeting with Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas to discuss the situation. Healey assured that “top experts” had arrived to assist with coordinating air defences on the island, suggesting a commitment to strengthening Cyprus’s military capabilities amid increasing threats.
In addition to the UK, France, and Greece, other nations such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey have confirmed the deployment of military assets to Cyprus and its surrounding areas in recent days. This international military presence underscores the strategic importance of Cyprus in the ongoing tensions in the region.
