The government of Cyprus has criticised the United Kingdom over its response to a recent drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, a British military base on the island.

The criticism came as UK Defence Secretary John Healey arrived in Cyprus for official talks.

Cyprus expresses disappointment

Cyprus High Commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, said many people in Cyprus felt disappointed and worried after the attack.

He explained that local residents expected better communication and information sharing from the UK government after the drone strike.

Drone attack caused minimal damage

The drone attack happened on Sunday night and targeted RAF Akrotiri. According to UK officials, the strike caused minimal damage and no casualties.

Western officials also said the Shahed-type drone did not come directly from Iran, although they have not confirmed where it was launched.

UK strengthens defence in the region

The UK government said it remains fully committed to protecting its military bases and citizens.

Home Office minister Alex Norris said the UK has already built strong defensive systems in the eastern Mediterranean.

The UK also announced that the Royal Navy warship HMS Dragon will deploy to Cyprus soon. The ship has advanced air-defence capabilities.

In addition, the UK military already has several defence systems in place, including:

• RAF Typhoon fighter jets
• F-35B aircraft
• Counter-drone defence teams
• Radar systems
• Voyager refuelling aircraft

Rising tensions in the Middle East

The drone strike came after US-Israel attacks on Iran, which triggered retaliatory actions from Iran and increased tensions across the Middle East.

Political leaders in the UK have started debating whether the government should take stronger military steps to protect British interests in the region.

However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government’s top priority is protecting British nationals in the region.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has already sent a French warship to the Mediterranean to strengthen regional security.

Ongoing security concerns

Although the damage from the drone attack was limited, the incident has increased security concerns in Cyprus.

Officials temporarily moved some military families from RAF Akrotiri to safer accommodation as a precaution.

Cypriot officials said they hope to see stronger cooperation and better communication from the UK in the coming days.