Helicopters from the 815th Naval Air Squadron were flown by an RAF C-17 to the base in Akrotiri to strengthen defenses against drones.
Two AW159 Wildcat helicopter a British Royal Navy from his stock arrived a RAF Akrotiri to an air base in Cyprus to strengthen the defense of British forces in the area.
The helicopters are a to the 815th Naval Air Squadron belong and were quickly prepared by the RNAS Yeovilton base, and then they were transported to the Eastern Mediterranean region RAF C-17 Globemaster III on a cargo plane.
A Martlet with light multi-purpose missiles equipped helicopters are now part of the British air defense network on the island, strengthening the response capability against new threats.
Reinforcement against drones
A Martlet missiles are designed to neutralize drones and other smaller aerial threats. The system It reached full operational capability in October 2025.
Tests have shown that the weapon can destroy aerial targets both day and night, offering an effective solution against subsonic drones if the helicopter is quickly directed to intercept.
The versions of the system that can be launched from the shoulder have already proven their effectiveness Ukrainian in a conflict where several Russian drones were destroyed.
All Wildcat in tests up to 20 Martlet missiles can also carry, although the operational helicopters are currently up to 10 pieces they can take it with them.
+ Video: The Royal Navy Wildcat his helicopter demonstrates its accuracy when it shoots down a Banshee drone Martlet with a rocket
RAF strategic transport
To fit in the C-17 Globemaster into the cargo hold, technical teams removed certain parts of the helicopter, including the rotor blades, the weapon-carrying wing and the horizontal stabilizer of the tail.
Apart from the helicopters, one RAF A400M Atlas aircraft carried personnel, engineers, spare parts and ammunition to sustain operations in Cyprus.
Transporting Wildcat helicopters with C-17 transports is standard practice. In recent years, the machines have been used several times to Norway was installed by Clockwork to participate in military exercises.
An expanding British air defense network
The arrival of the Wildcats adds a new layer to the air defense system deployed in Cyprus.
A RAF Akrotiri base already Typhoon and F-35B fighters also operate, which carry out aerial patrol and drone interception tasks to protect British and allied interests in the region.
A further reinforcement is expected HMS Dragon arrival which is a Type 45 class destroyer and may reach the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days. The ship can for protection against medium-range ballistic missiles.
Destroyers of the United States Navy, which are the USS Gerald R. Ford they accompany an aircraft carrier strike group, also operate nearby and are capable of intercepting ballistic threats.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense – X @DefenceHQ. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
