LONDON, Mar 5: The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that a “Shahed-type” drone, which targeted the Royal Air Force base at RAF Akrotiri, was not launched from Iran.

British officials said the incident caused no injuries and only minimal damage. However, the Iranian-made drone strike has effectively extended the ongoing conflict onto European soil.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said: “The Ministry of Defence can confirm that a Shahed-like drone which targeted RAF Akrotiri at midnight on 2 March was not launched from Iran.” It added that over the past 24 hours, the United Kingdom has resupplied air defence systems to British and allied bases across the region, including UK-manufactured air defence missiles.

The ministry further announced that Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, equipped with Martlet missiles capable of intercepting aerial threats, are expected to arrive in Cyprus in the coming days to bolster defensive capabilities.

Separately, Iran’s armed forces said in a statement that they respect Turkey’s sovereignty and denied launching any missiles toward Turkish territory.

Meanwhile, Cyprus said the Shahed drone that struck a British airbase on the island nation’s southern coastline was launched from Beirut. A Cypriot official confirmed Thursday the drone that damaged a hangar at RAF Akrotiri just after midnight Monday had taken off from the Lebanese capital. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he isn’t permitted to speak publicly about the attack. Two more drones detected midday Monday were intercepted by British warplanes that took off from RAF Akrotiri. There have been several false alarms regarding drone sightings since those initial strikes.

Also, UK is deploying its cutting-edge warship, HMS Dragon, and drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences in the region.

The Type 45 destroyer is one of the most capable air defence warships in the world, and will strengthen the UK’s ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones.

The ship is fitted with the world-leading Sea Viper missile system, which can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously. Type 45 Destroyers have already been proven on operations, including when one successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024.

The deployment comes as the UK armed forces successfully shot down multiple drones across the region over the previous 24 hours:

RAF F-35B jets shot down drones over Jordan - the first time an RAF F-35 has destroyed a target on operations – supported by Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft. A British counter-drone unit neutralised drones in Iraqi airspace heading towards Coalition forces, whilst an RAF Typhoon operating with the joint UK-Qatar 12 Squadron shot down an Iranian one-way attack drone directed at Qatar using an air-to-air missile on Monday.

The decision comes as Iran’s reckless attacks continue to target British interests in the region, as the UK Armed Forces continue to adapt to the changing threats. 

It follows the UK bolstering its defensive presence in the region in recent weeks, including deploying radar systems, air defence, and F-35 jets.