An Iranian drone equipped with a Russian-made Kometa-B navigation system hit the British RAF Akrotiri base on Sunday, according to reports. The drone was launched from Lebanon by an Iranian-aligned group, as stated by Defence Secretary John Healey. The drone was a Shahed model, not fired from Iran, according to Healey.
Drone components were sent to a UK lab for investigation. The attack is attributed to Iran. In response, the UK is sending Wildcat helicopters, HMS Dragon, extra air defence personnel, and Typhoon jets to Qatar.
The UK has sent Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities and plans to send the destroyer HMS Dragon, with additional Typhoon aircraft to Qatar. However, Britain faces criticism for slow military response, with France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece deploying warships or assets to Cyprus faster than the UK's HMS Dragon, which is delayed. Greece has deployed two frigates, Kimon and Psara, and four F-16 Viper fighter jets to Cyprus for defense and surveillance.
The Greek frigates are operating south of Cyprus and the jets are based at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. Italy is sending the frigate Federico Martinengo with over 160 crew members and Aster-30 Samp air defense missiles. Spain is sending the frigate Cristóbal Colón expected on March 10.
Germany has sent the frigate FGS Nordrhein-Westfalen. France has deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, frigates, and anti-drone systems. Turkey is sending six F-16 fighter jets to occupied Cyprus for security reasons, according to Turkish officials, with no impact on civilian flights.
The Greek and Cypriot navies conducted a joint search-and-rescue exercise named 'Salamis' on March 8, involving the frigates Kimon and Psara. Diplomatic activity has intensified. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and French President Emmanuel Macron are meeting in Paphos on March 9 to discuss security coordination.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadenful visited Larnaca to express solidarity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated Italy is not part of any conflict but is deploying for prevention. The incident has sparked allegations of foreign involvement, particularly regarding Russia.
Russia is accused of providing intelligence to Iran on US military assets, with sources claiming ongoing assistance since the conflict began. US President Donald Trump said he had 'no indication' of Russian help. Russia's ambassador stated Russia is 'not neutral' and supportive of Iran.
The attack has heightened security concerns in Cyprus. The Cypriot government had warned of base vulnerabilities. Travel warnings were issued for Cyprus and the Maldives due to terrorist attack risks, with attacks 'cannot be ruled out' in Cyprus.
Flights were grounded, and airlines cancelled services. Protests in Cyprus call for removal of British bases, citing security threats. Defence Secretary John Healey declined to rule out UK participation in offensive strikes on Iran, emphasizing defensive actions.
Other incidents include a ballistic missile alert at RAF Akrotiri and a Turkish interception of an Iranian missile. The drone attack on a British RAF base in Cyprus the previous week is attributed to Iran, adding to regional instability.