Britain has deployed radar systems, air defence assets and F-35 jets to its bases in Cyprus, Downing Street said on Tuesday, as it faces questions over whether it will send a warship to bolster defences at RAF Akrotiri following drone strikes on the base, according to a BBC report.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson confirmed the deployments but refused to be drawn on reports that a warship could be dispatched, saying the government would not speculate on force movements or specific operations for reasons of operational security.
It is understood Downing Street is considering the option, though no decision has been taken.
“That is a significant level of defensive capability to our bases in Cyprus,” the spokesperson said, adding that force protection was kept under constant review. The Ministry of Defence would provide updates when forces had taken significant defensive action, the spokesperson said, but would not offer a running commentary on exact force movements.
(information from The BBC)