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 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 a Greek anti-drone system called Centauros. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, visiting 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, noting the UK's costly but highly capable equipment. However, he 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. While Britain did not join the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, British planes are engaged in defensive operations to protect UK citizens and allies in the region. On Tuesday night, the Ministry of Defence reported that RAF F-35 jets shot down an Iranian drone over Jordan. The drone scare at Akrotiri has led to the evacuation of British families and local Cypriots, causing anxiety and criticism from Cyprus over the UK's handling of the situation. Cyprus emphasizes its non-involvement in the broader Middle East conflict and its lack of direct targeting. Located off the coasts of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, Cyprus 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 sites like the Akrotiri peninsula. These sites, covering nearly 3% of the island's land, are beyond restricted military zones. The British government faces scrutiny over its readiness to protect overseas bases, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirming the deployment of additional radar, air, and counter-drone capabilities. A drone strike on RAF Akrotiri on Sunday night caused minimal damage and no casualties, followed by the interception of two more drones on Monday. The UK has not disclosed the origin of the drone that hit the base, but the Cypriot government suspects Hezbollah in Lebanon. British officials believe the first drone was launched before Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of limited, defensive US strikes on Iranian missile sites. Starmer assured the House of Commons that US bombers are not using British bases in Cyprus.
