UK says Cyprus base not part of UK-US self-defence deal

An Iranian-type Shahed drone caused slight damage on March 2 when it hit facilities at the Akrotiri airbase in southern Cyprus, with two others later intercepted.

There have been no further known security incidents on the island, where Britain retained sovereignty over two bases when it granted its former colony independence in 1960.

A Cypriot Government spokesperson said in a statement that Starmer had reiterated, "that the security of the Republic of Cyprus is fundamental to the United Kingdom and, to that end, a decision has been taken to enhance the means contributing to the preventive measures already in place."

"Finally, the Prime Minister reiterated that the British Bases in Cyprus will not be used for any offensive military operations," the Cypriot Government spokesperson added.