UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that a one-way attack drone struck RAF Akrotiri late last night, according to cleared lines released by the Ministry of Defence. He stated that there were no casualties and that damage to the base was minimal, while a full assessment of the incident, including the drone’s origin, remains ongoing.
The strike on RAF Akrotiri last night is deeply concerning, an example of the dangerous and indiscriminate attacks by Iran & its proxies across the region.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) March 2, 2026
Our best assessment is that the drone was fired before the Prime Minister's statement last night on the US use of UK bases.
Force protection at UK bases in Cyprus is at its highest level, with additional defensive capabilities deployed in recent weeks, including radar systems, air defence assets and F-35 jets. The base continues to operate normally as a precautionary relocation of family members to alternative accommodation on the island is under way.
The strike and immediate impact
• A one-way attack drone hit RAF Akrotiri late last night.
• There were no casualties and the damage was minimal.
I can confirm there were no casualties and the damage is minimal.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) March 2, 2026
Our jets and equipment at RAF Akrotiri are ready to defend British people, our bases, and our allies in the region and I am proud of the professionalism of our Armed Forces' and their families.
• The drone is understood to have hit a hangar on the airbase.
• There has been no impact on base operations.
Safety of personnel and families
• The safety of personnel and their families is the absolute priority.
• As a precautionary measure, family members living at RAF Akrotiri are being moved to alternative accommodation nearby on the island of Cyprus.
• This is not a full evacuation.
• Those affected are receiving regular updates and support.
• No further details are being provided at this stage regarding duration or any plans to return families to the UK.
I can confirm there were no casualties and the damage is minimal.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) March 2, 2026
Our jets and equipment at RAF Akrotiri are ready to defend British people, our bases, and our allies in the region and I am proud of the professionalism of our Armed Forces' and their families.
Timing and assessment of the incident
• The full assessment of the incident is ongoing.
• The current assessment is that the drone was launched before the Prime Minister’s statement approving the use of UK bases by the United States.
• The origin of the drone is under urgent investigation.
Force protection and defensive measures
• Force protection is at the highest level.
• In recent weeks, defensive capabilities at the base have been increased, including additional radar systems, air defence and F-35 jets.
"My first job as Defence Secretary is to protect British people and British bases, reinforce regional security, and do all we can to prevent further regional escalation."
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 1, 2026
Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP on the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/HFRTskaiUy
• Sensible and calm precautionary defensive measures will continue.
Broader regional context
• There are increasingly indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks from the Iranian regime across the region.
• Iran is striking both military and civilian targets, including countries not directly involved in strikes against it.
• UK Armed Forces actions have been solely defensive, aimed at protecting Britain and its allies.
• British interests are being targeted, placing British nationals at risk alongside allies in the region.