France is preparing additional defensive deployments to Cyprus, where the UK’s RAF Akrotiri sovereign base has come under drone pressure. According to the Cyprus News Agency, Paris plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems as well as a frigate to bolster Cyprus’ defenses. It is unclear at this point which platforms exactly will be deployed.
On the night of March 1, 2026, RAF Akrotiri was struck by a one-way drone, causing limited damage and no casualties. The following day, Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis reported that two unmanned aircraft heading toward the British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia were intercepted and destroyed. The drones had reportedly been launched from Lebanon.
Cyprus also evacuated a passenger terminal at Paphos International Airport (PFO) after detecting a “suspicious object” on radar.
In response, Greece’s defense minister announced the deployment of several F-16 jets to Paphos airport along with two frigates.
On the UK side, British officials are reportedly discussing sending a warship to help defend RAF Akrotiri after the strike, with The Times naming the destroyer HMS Duncan, though a final decision had not yet been made.
