The UK is deploying two RAF Wildcat helicopters to Cyprus “imminently” to strengthen counter-drone defences at RAF Akrotiri, Defence Minister Luke Pollard has said. The aircraft are expected to arrive on Friday, with Pollard saying they will be used to “take out Iranian drones” threatening UK bases and allies. 

The move follows a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri’s runway earlier this week, which the Ministry of Defence and multiple UK outlets have reported as part of the spillover from the wider US–Israel conflict with Iran. 

Alongside the helicopter deployment, the UK has also announced that it is sending the Type 45 air-defence destroyer HMS Dragon towards Cyprus — although reporting indicates the ship is not expected to sail until next week.

Speaking at the base, Defence Secretary John Healey declined to rule out Britain taking part in strikes on Iran when pressed by Sky News correspondent Alistair Bunkall, saying the UK must be ready to “adapt” as circumstances change — while framing current UK activity as focused on defence and force protection. 

UK Fact Check note: The UK’s stated purpose here is defensive (countering drones and protecting bases). The government has not publicly confirmed any UK role in offensive strikes, and deployment announcements do not by themselves establish participation in attacks.