UK Defence Minister John Healey Visits Cyprus After Drone Strike

On Thursday, UK Defence Minister John Healey arrived in Cyprus, as confirmed by defense sources following a drone strike at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Akrotiri. The attack involved an Iranian-made unmanned drone on Monday.

In response, the UK dispatched helicopters and the warship HMS Dragon to bolster counter-drone capabilities in the Mediterranean region. The HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defense destroyer, is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system, capable of launching eight missiles in ten seconds and 16 missiles simultaneously.

Additionally, the UK deployed Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet missiles to intercept drones. Dr.

Kyriaco Kourou, representing the UK High Commission in Cyprus, expressed disappointment regarding the level of information shared about the incident, noting the concerns of local residents. The drone strike caused minimal damage and no casualties among British service personnel, who were relocated as a precautionary measure.