Iran hits UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in EU-member Cyprus after Starmer announces support for US

Monday, March 2nd 2026 - 12:27 UTC

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An Iranian-made drone struck the UK’s RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus overnight, causing no casualties and only limited damage, in an incident that brought the Middle East conflict directly onto European Union territory. British authorities raised force-protection measures and ordered non-essential personnel to leave and disperse, while the base continued operating, according to official information reported by Reuters. Read full article

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Pugol-H
Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British sovereign bases, so not actually part of the EU since Brexit, although there are protocols that align with certain EU laws.

Also, the drone was launched well before Starmer made his announcement and therefore not any kind of a response to it.

Question is how it got through to what should be the best defended British base anywhere? It’s certainly the most front line in today.
Mar 03rd, 2026 - 12:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Veteran
At the very least there should have been been a Type 45 nearby, supported by additional GBAD. It makes you wonder if the UK was given sufficient warning about the impending US/Israeli attack.
Mar 03rd, 2026 - 11:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Pugol-H
Enough warning to tell nationals to leave before it started, only now are they talking about sending a T45.

And when Starmer is asked why so late, he will no doubt blame previous for the unreadiness now.

He has not yet grasped that it is HIS responsibility to fix things in TODAY and not simply fix the blame for things in the PAST.

We shall see if this now results in a faster increase in defence spending, as has been mooted in Parliament and asked for by the Brass, who have said for some time now the cupboard is nearly bare.

But that would require Starmer to first make a decision and then not U Turn on it.
Mar 03rd, 2026 - 12:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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