The British air base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was allegedly hit by a drone on Monday night (archive image).Image: keystone
Mar 2, 2026, 6:15 a.mMar 2, 2026, 6:15 a.m
The British air base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was allegedly hit by a drone on Monday night. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense in London, according to the PA news agency. No one was injured in the incident near the port city of Limassol.
There are measures to protect troops in the region. “The base reacted to defend our people,” it continued. There should be more details at a later date. It was not immediately known who fired the drone.
According to information from the Cypriot government, it was an “unmanned drone” that caused only minor damage. The situation is being monitored closely in close cooperation with the British government and the administration of the British bases. The National Security Council continues to meet without interruption.
The United Kingdom says it is taking part in a defensive military operation against Iran in the Middle East. According to Defense Secretary John Healey, British planes shoot down drones and missiles when they see them. The units will start in Bahrain and Cyprus, among others. Great Britain maintains two bases there.
Impact on the airfield
According to a report by the Cypriot news portal “Cyprus Mail”, a “small drone” hit the base’s airfield. According to initial information, “minor property damage” was caused. The local news portal “Politis” published video footage from outside the base. Alarm sirens could then be heard.
Members of the base have been instructed to remain where they are and await further instructions. It cannot be ruled out that further impacts will occur. Explosions and sirens were also heard in the nearby town, Cypriot news portals reported unanimously.
Cyprus government rejects reports of Iranian missiles
Cyprus’ government had previously rejected reports that Iranian missiles had been fired towards the Mediterranean island. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis wrote on Platform X on Sunday that such representations were not correct.
Defense Secretary Healey had warned of the danger of “increasingly indiscriminate Iranian retaliatory attacks.” He told the British broadcaster Sky News that two Iranian missiles had been fired towards Cyprus. (sda/dpa)