A Shahed-type drone struck RAF Akrotiri runway in Cyprus just after midnight on March 2, 2026, causing minimal damage with no casualties, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Cypriot authorities reported two additional drones targeting the base were intercepted that day. The attack, attributed to Iran or its proxies, followed US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with operations launched from the UK base.
Greece responded by deploying FDI HN frigate Kimon, equipped with Aster surface-to-air missiles for long-range air defense, Hydra-class frigate Psara with Centaur electronic warfare for counter-drone detection up to 150 kilometers, and F-16 Block 52+ fighters. Reports vary on jet numbers: Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced a pair, while Cypriot officials confirmed four F-16s landed at Paphos and a C-130 Hercules transport arrived.
The deployment establishes layered air and maritime defenses amid rising Eastern Mediterranean threats from drones and missiles. Greece treats Cyprus as an operational perimeter, coordinating with Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated the nation participates in no military operations.
Turkey plans to deploy four F-16s to northern Cyprus’s Ercan airport on March 8. France sent frigate Languedoc and carrier Charles de Gaulle; Italy the Federico Martinego frigate; Spain the Cristobal Colon; and the UK two AW159 Wildcat helicopters plus HMS Dragon destroyer. These moves reflect multinational deterrence as regional tensions escalate.