Smoke seen near RAF Akrotiri after Iranian drone attack on Cyprus
March 2, 2026
Iran is targeting Britain’s RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus, risking pulling the UK directly into the conflict, while also causing flight disruption on the island and triggering Greece to send fighter jets to defend the island. Note this is a developing story and a rapidly evolving situation.
Iranian drones target RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
Yesterday, Iran fired drones towards Cyprus. These were intercepted with the UK saying it was pretty sure they weren’t directed at its bases on the island.
🇨🇾🇬🇧👀 Smoke rises from area of British air base (Cyprus area) pic.twitter.com/0zJoEMZRis
— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) March 2, 2026
Today, more drones have been fired at the island, and this time, smoke appears to be rising from around RAF Akrotiri on the island, where British Typhoons, F-35Bs, and Voyager tankers are stationed. It is reported that a drone hit the runway, causing minor damage.
It has been reported that the UK is pulling personnel from the air base. It is unclear what further action the UK will take. During the build-up, the UK sent fighter jets to RAF Akrotiri and Qatar, and they have been taking part in defence operations.
2 drones heading toward the UK’s Akrotiri Air Base were downed. https://t.co/MApsUH3MeY
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) March 2, 2026
Faytuks Network reported, “IRGC-aligned media claims that Iranian ballistic missile launches targeted the British base RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.” It is unclear if Iran has actually fired missiles at RAF Akrotiri or not.
Greece prepares F-16s and frigates to support Cyprus
Beyond flight disruption at Paphos International Airport, the incidents are rapidly escalating into a broader regional issue, with Greece signalling it may intervene in support of Cyprus.
An evacuation has been announced at Paphos Airport in Cyprus after two drones heading toward the republic were shot down.
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 2, 2026
Authorities have raised the alert level across Cyprus. Greece is preparing to deploy two naval vessels and two F-16 fighter jets to support defensive… pic.twitter.com/vfc9DFyV6M
Cyprus remains de facto divided between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, which controls the southern part of the island and claims sovereignty over it in full, and the Turkish-controlled north, formally known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Ankara. The British Sovereign Base Areas, including RAF Akrotiri, operate separately under UK jurisdiction.
The Greek Hellenic Defence Council says it has activated the unified defence doctrine of Greece and Cyprus. Greece has stated it is preparing to deploy two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets to aid in the island’s defence.
BREAKING: The UK, France, and Germany indicate in a statement that they are ready to carry out military action against Iran to destroy its missile and drone launch capabilitieshttps://t.co/vaLUPMCNfe pic.twitter.com/2o0DIwCiNN
— Faytuks News (@Faytuks) March 1, 2026
The Greek news outlet, Ekathimerini, reported, “Greece will send two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus as security concerns escalate around the Mediterranean island, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said Monday.”
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Regional escalations risk drawing more nations into the conflict
After the United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran, Iran has lashed out, firing missiles and drones at many countries in the region.
⚡️ France may enter the war against Iran
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 2, 2026
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that Paris is ready to join the defense of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. pic.twitter.com/g1EGEJVmiS
Iran is now firing missiles and drones at Cyprus despite the UK having said it would not take part in offensive actions against Iran. The UK had said it would limit itself to shooting down Iranian projectiles aimed at allies in the region.
The UK even banned the US from flying its bombers from British airbases, including Diego Garcia, before the conflict, something Trump told The Telegraph that he was “very disappointed” in. The UK is now allowing the US to use those bases.
The Iranian strikes are risking drawing the UK directly into the conflict. Similar Iranian strikes against French and Saudi assets are likewise threatening to bring those countries into the campaign. Saudi Arabia has stated it will target Iranian oil facilities if Iran launches a coordinated strike on Aramco. Iran has been attacking Saudi oil facilities.
Footage of another US fighter jet shot down pic.twitter.com/wI54RPXCO8
— War Monitor Clips (@WarMonitorClips) March 2, 2026
However, so many actors operating against Iran will prove challenging for deconfliction and shooting down friendly aircraft. The US has now confirmed that three F-15 fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in a dramatic incident today.
The US has been bombing Iran with B-2 Spirit strategic bombers and, as of the time of reporting, at least three B-1B Lancers.
Featured Image: RAF
