Helicopters from the 815th Naval Air Squadron were flown by an RAF C-17 to the Akrotiri base to strengthen defense against drones.
Two helicopters AW159 Wildcat from the Royal Navy they arrived at the air base RAF Akrotiriin Cyprus, to strengthen the defense of British forces in the region.
The aircraft belong to the 815º Naval Air Squadron and were quickly prepared at the base RNAS Yeoviltonto then be transported to the eastern Mediterranean on board a transport aircraft RAF C-17 Globemaster III.
Arm yourself with Martlet light multi-role missilesthe helicopters now become part of the UK’s air defense network on the island, strengthening response capability against emerging threats.
Hardening against drones
The missiles Martlet they were designed to neutralize drones and other small aerial threats. The system has been declared fully operational in October 2025.
Tests have shown that the weapon can hit aerial targets both day and night, offering an effective solution against subsonic drones when the helicopter is quickly directed to intercept.
Shoulder-fired versions of this system have already proven their effectiveness in conflict Ukrainewhere several Russian drones were destroyed.
During testing, each Wildcat can carry up to 20 Martlet missilesalthough operational helicopters are currently authorized to carry them up to 10.
+ Video: Helicopter Wildcat of the Royal Navy shows its precision by shooting down a Banshee drone with a missile Martlet
RAF Strategic Transport
To get them into the hold of the C-17 Globemasterthe technical teams removed some parts of the helicopter, including the rotor blades, the armament wing and the tail horizontal stabilizer.
In addition to the helicopters, an aircraft RAF A400M Atlas transported crews, engineers, spare parts and ammunition needed to support operations in Cyprus.
Transporting Wildcat helicopters via C-17 cargo aircraft is a common practice. In recent years the aircraft have been repeatedly deployed in Norway to participate in the military exercise Clockwork.
Expanding British air defense network
The arrival of the Wildcats adds a new layer to the Cyprus-based air defense system.
The base RAF Akrotiri already works with Typhoon and F-35B fighterswhich carry out air patrol and drone interception missions to protect British and allied interests in the region.
Another expected reinforcement is the arrival of the destroyer HMS Dragonof the class Type 45which is expected to reach the eastern Mediterranean in the next few days. The ship has anti-defense capabilities medium-range ballistic missiles.
Also US Navy destroyers accompanying the carrier strike group USS Gerald R. Ford they operate nearby and have the ability 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.
