Cyprus: RAF Akrotiri base sounds sirens amid Iran missile attacks
The UK Government's response to the drone attack at an RAF base located on the Brit holiday hotspot has been deemed "disappointing".
Sirens at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus were triggered as a precaution on Thursday after Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks across the region. The alert comes as UK Defense Secretary John Healey is visiting the country amid the ongoing war with Iran. However, it was later reported that no threat was detected after the siren.
Meanwhile, earlier, the government of Cyprus has expressed clear disappointment at the response provided by Sir Keir Starmer's government to the drone attack that targeted the RAF base in Akrotiri on Sunday evening. Cypriot High Commissioner to the UK Dr Kyriacos Kouros told BBC Newsnight after being asked if people on the island loved by Brits felt protected by the UK: "Let's say the people are disappointed, the people are scared, the people could expect more."
He added he would "thank [Starmer] for paying attention to our worries and I'd love to see more". On Tuesday, the UK government announced it would deploy the HMS Dragon to Cyprus - but the vessel would not sail until next week, it later emerged.
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'Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out'
The British government has updated its assessment that terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.
Its safety and security page says: "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals."
According to the website, there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. People are urged to stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism.
For foreign travel advice, visit the British government website.
Four additional RAF Typhoon jets sent to Cyprus
The Ministry of Defence has just announced it is sending four additional Royal Air Force Typhoon jets to Qatar to support defensive operations in the region.
It added that these aircraft will join Typhoon jets already deployed in January from the UK-Qatar Joint Typhoon Squadron, which were sent to reinforce regional security and protect British people and interests.
It added:
"The message is clear: the UK will stand by its allies and will take the necessary steps to defend our people and our interests."
Today, we can confirm we are sending four additional @RoyalAirForce Typhoon jets to Qatar, to support defensive operations in the region.
\u2014 Ministry of Defence \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 (@DefenceHQ) March 5, 2026
These aircraft are in addition to the existing jets from the UK-Qatar Joint Typhoon Squadron that we deployed in January to reinforce\u2026 pic.twitter.com/WZZDEj3Vfa
Sirens sounding at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
There are reports of sirens sounding at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. We are monitoring the situation and will bring you the latest updates from the region as soon as possible.
John Healey claims “friendship” between the UK and Cyprus is “strong”
British Defence Minister John Healey underlined that the longstanding friendship between the UK and Cyprus remains strong after meeting Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.
He noted that the two had discussed how Britain is reinforcing its air‑defence systems to bolster the security both countries share, reports Cyprus Mail.
Foreign Office's travel advice to Cyprus
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: "On 2 March 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri.
"British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities."
Keir Starmer to address the nation on Iran war
UK Prime Minister will hold a Downing Street news conference about the conflict in the Middle East at 2pm.
Other European nations provide military support in Cyprus
Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands have confirmed they will join France in providing support in the Mediterranean, following the drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. France has already dispatched its flagship nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier to the region, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
These European commitments come as the UK’s own warship, HMS Dragon, is still being prepared for deployment and is not expected to depart until next week.
The delay has drawn criticism, particularly as other European nations have already moved naval assets toward Cyprus to bolster protection after the attack
Defence Secretary John Healey in Cyprus- in pictures
Defence Secretary John Healey has arrived in Cyprus as tensions rise over how Britain has handled a series of drone threats on the island linked to the United States’ conflict with Iran.
His visit follows growing criticism that the UK has not deployed sufficient military assets to protect its bases, particularly after a drone struck RAF Akrotiri, prompting concern from Cypriot officials about the island’s security.
Cyprus government 'disappointed' with the UK
Cypriot High Commissioner to the UK Dr Kyriacos Kouros told BBC Newsnight Cypriots were "disappointed" about the information sharing with residents after RAF Akrotiri was hit overnight on Sunday.
Élysée Palace confirms the deployment of military resources to Cyprus
Emmanuel Macron held separate phone calls this morning with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to sources close to the French president. The conversations were part of ongoing consultations with European leaders as they coordinate their responses to the latest regional developments.
The source told Le Parisien: "They agreed to coordinate the deployment of military assets to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and to work together to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Red Sea."
Cyprus government issues statement
Cypriot government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said authorities had investigated information indicating a suspected object was on course for the Bases, but nothing was found and the alert was called off.
UK Defence Secretary flies to Cyprus
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has travelled to Cyprus as the UK seeks to manage the diplomatic fallout from a drone strike that slipped through defences and hit the RAF base at Akrotiri, an incident that has angered Cypriot officials.
His visit includes talks with his Cypriot counterpart, coming after a Shahed‑style drone managed to evade detection and strike the strategically important airbase.
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Welcome to our blog. We will bring you all the latest updates about the situation in Cyprus.
