Helicopters from Naval Air Squadron 815 were flown by an RAF C-17 to the Akrotiri base to strengthen drone defences.
Two helicopters AW159 Wildcat but British Royal Navy they arrived at the air base RAF Akrotiri from Cyprus to strengthen the defense of British forces in the region.
Aircraft belong Naval Air Squadron 815 and were quickly prepared at the base RNAS Yeoviltonbeing then transported to the eastern Mediterranean on board a transport plane C-17 Globemaster III to the RAF.
Armed with light multipurpose Martlet missilesthe helicopters become part of the UK’s air defense network on the island, increasing the ability to react to emerging threats.
Reinforcement against drones
missiles Martlet were designed to neutralize drones and other small aerial threats. The system was declared with full operational capacity in October 2025.
Tests have shown that the weapon can hit aerial targets both day and night, providing an effective solution against subsonic drones when the helicopter is quickly targeted for interception.
Shoulder-launched versions of this system have already proven their effectiveness in the conflict in Ukrainewhere several Russian drones were destroyed.
During testing, each Wildcat can carry up to 20 Martlet Missilesalthough operational helicopters are currently authorized to carry up to 10 units.
+ Video: Helicopter Wildcat of the Royal Navy demonstrates precision by shooting down a Banshee drone with a missile Martlet
Transport strategic al RAF
To fit in the hold of the plane C-17 Globemastertechnical teams dismantled some parts of the helicopter, incl the rotor blades, the armament wing and the horizontal stabilizer of the tail.
In addition to aircraft, a plane RAF A400M Atlas carried crews, engineers, spare parts and ammunition necessary to support operations in Cyprus.
Transporting Wildcat helicopters with C-17 aircraft is common practice. In recent years, aircraft have been repeatedly sent to Norway to support the annual military exercise Clockwork.
Britain’s air defense network is expanding
The arrival of the Wildcat helicopters adds a new level to the air defense system based in Cyprus.
The base RAF Akrotiri already operate with Typhoon and F-35B fighter jetswhich conducts aerial patrol and drone interception missions to protect British and allied interests in the region.
Another element of strengthening the defense is the arrival of the destroyer HMS Dragonfrom the class Type 45which would arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the next few days. The ship has the ability to defend against medium-range ballistic missiles.
United States Navy destroyers escorting the carrier strike group USS Gerald R. Ford they also operate in close proximity and have the capability to intercept ballistic threats.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense – X @DefenceHQ. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
