UK Base in Cyprus Targeted by Drone, Britain Insists It Is Not At War

A British Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was targeted in a drone strike on March 2, 2026, escalating tensions in the region amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Despite the attack and the UK’s decision to allow the U.S. To utilize British bases in the war against Iran, the British government maintains it is not at war.

Drone Attack Details

According to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, a Shahed-type drone caused “minor material damage” to military installations within the UK’s RAF Akrotiri air base . The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. Following the initial strike, sirens sounded again at RAF Akrotiri, prompting the scrambling of British Typhoon and F-35 warplanes .

Later in the day, two additional unmanned drones heading towards the same base were successfully intercepted . The Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defense systems have been resupplied to British and allied bases in the region, including air defense missiles and Wildcat naval helicopters armed with Martlet missiles have been deployed .

UK’s Position and Regional Response

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously stated the UK would support the U.S. In the war against Iran . However, the government has repeatedly emphasized that the UK is not currently at war , .

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has sought to distance his country from the conflict, stating that Cyprus is not involved and does not intend to participate in any military operation . An airport in Paphos, Cyprus, was briefly evacuated after a suspect object was detected on radar, highlighting the broader regional impact of the escalating tensions .

Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area

RAF Akrotiri is one of two British sovereign base areas that the UK has maintained in Cyprus since the island’s independence in 1960 . The base has been previously used for military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen . Authorities initially advised residents near the base to shelter in place, but later stated that non-essential personnel would be removed while other UK facilities would continue normal operations .