British Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II jets are flying round-the-clock missions from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, intercepting Iranian drones as part of Operation Luminous — a sustained aerial defence campaign launched after the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran.
For more than a month, RAF aircraft have patrolled the skies over Cyprus and Jordan without pause. BBC cameras filmed one nine-hour sortie during which the jets refuelled seven times in mid-air, taking on roughly 30 tonnes of fuel from an Airbus Voyager tanker. Pilots described the refuelling procedure — conducted via a boom extending from the tanker’s wing — as routine. Intercepting drones is a different matter.
British aircraft have already downed several unmanned aerial vehicles using ASRAAM missiles — a costly weapon deployed against cheap targets. RAF pilots on the ground flagged the particular risks posed by drones flying low and slow, which raise the chances of accidents or collision with other aircraft.
From the cockpit, crews reported seeing occasional flashes on the horizon near the coasts of Israel and Lebanon — likely either incoming missiles from Iran or intercepts by Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, they said. Not every sortie finds a target, but the operation runs continuously.
The base itself has already come under attack. On the second night of the conflict, a drone — believed to have been launched from Lebanon — struck a hangar used by the United States Air Force. Damage was described as limited, and radar systems provided early warning. Air defences at Akrotiri have since been significantly reinforced.
Eight Typhoons and eight F-35s are now stationed at the base, alongside AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat and AW101 Merlin helicopters equipped with advanced detection systems. HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy destroyer, is operating off Cyprus to provide additional protection.
Officials acknowledged that the base remains a potential target — Iran has publicly referred to it — but said defences are at their maximum level. Efforts are under way to reassure both base personnel and Cypriot authorities, with cooperation described as close. London has made clear the base’s sovereign status is not open to negotiation.
The prolonged regional tension has already reshaped British military planning. Operation Shader has been suspended and assets redirected towards the defence of Cyprus. Military assessments suggest the conflict is unlikely to end soon, and the heightened readiness at Akrotiri is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
(with information from The BBC)