Helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron were transported by an RAF C-17 to the Akrotiri base to strengthen defenses against drones.
To AW159 Wildcat-helicopters from Royal Navy has arrived RAF Akrotiri– the air base in Cyprus to strengthen the defense of British forces in the region.
The planes belong 815 Naval Air Squadron and was quickly made ready at the base RNAS Yeovilton before being transported to the eastern Mediterranean on board a RAF C-17 Globemaster III– transport aircraft.
Armed with Martlet light multirole missiles the helicopters are now part of the British air defense network on the island and strengthen the ability to respond to new threats.
Reinforcement against drones
Martlet-the missiles were developed to neutralize drones and other small aerial threats. The system was declared fully operational by October 2025.
Tests have shown that the weapon can hit air targets both day and night and offers an effective solution against subsonic drones when the helicopter is quickly directed to intercept.
Shoulder-fired versions of the system have already demonstrated their effectiveness in the conflict in Ukrainewhere several Russian drones have been destroyed.
During tests, each Wildcat can carry up to 20 Martlet missilesalthough operational helicopters are currently authorized to carry up to 10 units.
+ Video: Royal Navy Wildcat-helicopter shows precision when it shoots down a Banshee drone with a Martlet-missile
RAF strategic transport
To make room in the cargo hold for C-17 Globemaster removed technical team parts of the helicopter, incl rotor blades, weapon wing and the horizontal tail stabilizer.
In addition to the helicopters, a RAF A400M Atlas-aircrews, engineers, spare parts and ammunition needed to maintain operations in Cyprus.
Transporting Wildcat helicopters by C-17 transport aircraft is common practice. In recent years, the planes have been repeatedly sent to Norway to participate in the military exercise Clockwork.
Expansion of British air defense network
The arrival of the Wildcats adds a new layer to the air defense system based in Cyprus.
Swimming pool RAF Akrotiri already operates with Typhoon and F-35B fighter jetswhich conducts aerial patrols and drone interception missions to protect British and allied interests in the region.
Another expected reinforcement is the arrival of the destroyer HMS Dragon of Type 45-class, which is expected to reach the eastern Mediterranean in the next few days. The ship has the capacity to defend itself against medium-range ballistic missiles.
Destroyers from the US Navy that follow the aircraft carrier group to USS Gerald R. Ford 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.
