akrotiri base — British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus is being utilised to engage and shoot down drones launched from Iran.
- British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus is being utilised to engage and shoot down drones launched from Iran.
In a statement shared on social media, Starmer highlighted a recent article by the Guardian that featured insights from an unnamed British air force pilot stationed at Akrotiri. This pilot made headlines by becoming the first British pilot to shoot down a target using an F-35 fighter jet on Tuesday night.
Starmer praised the military efforts, stating, “British heroes protecting British lives,” while referencing the pilot’s achievement, which is backed by the British defence ministry’s report confirming the F-35’s operational success.
Since last month, six F-35 jets have been deployed from the RAF base in Marham, Norfolk, as part of a strategy to enhance defensive capabilities in the region amid escalating tensions. Starmer emphasised the importance of this deployment, describing it as a precautionary measure in anticipation of potential regional conflict.
In light of a recent drone strike on the Akrotiri base that raised security concerns, Starmer addressed the public in Cyprus, assuring them that every necessary action is being taken to protect both the airbase and other locations in the area. Following the strike, he announced the deployment of the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, along with two AW159 Wildcat helicopters to bolster security measures.
The helicopters are expected to arrive shortly, and the British military is reportedly expediting efforts to prepare the destroyer for its mission. Starmer’s proactive stance comes at a time when regional tensions are high, and he reassured the Cypriot population of their safety.
Earlier, Starmer had indicated that the United States would be permitted to utilise UK military bases, which many believe to refer to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Fairford in Gloucestershire, in operations against Iran. However, he clarified that British bases in Cyprus would not be used by US bombers, stating that the recent drone activity was not in reaction to any decisions made by the UK government.
Starmer noted that the drone involved in the strike was likely launched prior to his government’s announcements on military cooperation, dispelling any suggestions of a direct link. He also mentioned discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides regarding the inappropriateness of using Cypriot bases for US operations, underscoring the need for clarity in communications about military activities in the region.
