Drone strike at RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus

On the night of March 2, a Shahed-style drone targeted the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. While the UK Ministry of Defence officially described the resulting damage as minimal and confirmed no equipment was harmed, the newspaper The Sun published reports and images alleging a 9-meter hole in a hangar housing American U-2 spy planes. British Defence Secretary John Healey thanked the families of personnel who were temporarily relocated to hotels following the incident. Approximately 400 additional military personnel have been deployed to reinforce air defenses. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the drone was not launched from Iran, with experts suggesting Lebanon as a likely origin. In response to the breach, the UK has resupplied air defense systems in the region and plans to deploy Wildcat helicopters equipped with Martlet missiles. Cypriot officials stated that the island remains well-defended with support from allied forces, including assets from Greece, France, Spain, and Italy.