European allies are swiftly deploying warships and anti-drone defenses to Cyprus in response to a British air base being targeted by drones over the weekend. The small Eastern Mediterranean nation, Cyprus, finds itself unexpectedly entangled in the aftermath of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French frigate, the Languedoc, will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday evening. Greece has pledged to send four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the Psara, equipped with the Greek anti-drone system Centauros. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, during a visit to Nicosia, assured that Greece will remain present to assist in the defense of the Republic of Cyprus. Former military strategist Mikey Kay highlights the importance of a layered air defense system, suggesting the deployment of a Type 45 air defense destroyer. The UK's response includes sending 'very expensive and highly capable' equipment, but Kay questions its effectiveness against multiple swarms of Shahed 136 drones. The BBC team witnessed the roar of jets at RAF Akrotiri, a base used for training and overseas operations in the Middle East. Despite Britain's non-participation in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, British planes are engaged in 'defensive operations' to protect UK citizens and allies in the region. The Ministry of Defense announced that RAF F-35 jets shot down an Iranian drone over Jordan on Tuesday night. The drone scare at Akrotiri led to the evacuation of British families and local Cypriots. Cyprus has criticized the UK's handling of the situation, emphasizing the initial lack of clarity regarding the use of British bases for humanitarian purposes only. Cyprus asserts its non-involvement in the broader Middle East conflict and its status as a non-target. Cyprus, located off the coasts of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, is the easternmost nation among the European Union's 27 member states. Britain's military presence in Cyprus is a remnant of its colonial past, with sovereignty over specific sites, including the Akrotiri peninsula, retained by the UK since Cyprus' independence in 1960. These sites cover approximately 3% of the island's land, equivalent to 98 square miles, and extend beyond restricted military zones. The British government is under scrutiny for its preparedness to safeguard overseas bases. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper informed the House of Commons that Britain has introduced additional radar, air, and counter-drone capabilities. A drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on Sunday night caused minimal damage and no casualties, with two further drones intercepted on Monday. The UK has not disclosed the origin of the drone that struck the base, but the Cypriot government suspects the involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon, backed by Iran. British officials believe the first drone was launched before Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of allowing US use of British bases for 'limited' and 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites. Starmer confirmed that US bombers are not utilizing the bases in Cyprus. RAF Akrotiri's last attack occurred in 1986 by pro-Libyan militants, resulting in three injuries. Further details on this story are available.
