UK defence update as Macron visit draws attention
While UK Defence Secretary John Healey briefed Parliament on military deployments in the Middle East and Cyprus, British media focused on French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the island and his warm reception by President Nikos Christodoulides.
The Daily Mail published a photo of the two leaders embracing, captioning it “the hug that embarrassed Starmer”, highlighting the contrast with the UK Prime Minister’s absence from the region.
More British forces sent to Cyprus
Speaking in Parliament, Healey outlined the steps the United Kingdom has taken to strengthen its military presence. He said the UK has deployed four additional Typhoon fighter jets, three Wildcat helicopters, one Merlin helicopter, and the destroyer HMS Dragon, which will sail to the region in the coming days.
He also said the Royal Air Force has already flown more than 230 operational hours, while eight fighter jets operate from Qatar as part of a joint UK-Qatari squadron.
Since January, the UK has reinforced its bases in Cyprus with around 400 personnel, mainly air defence specialists.
Drone strike under investigation
Healey said the drone that struck the British base at Akrotiri likely came from Lebanon or Iraq. Experts are analysing the wreckage to determine its exact origin.
He noted that British forces in Cyprus remain on daily alert due to repeated air defence warnings and the escalating crisis in the region.
Missile and drone attacks across region
According to the UK Defence Secretary, Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones at targets across the Middle East. On the first day of the attacks alone, strikes hit ten countries, targeting both military and civilian locations, including hotels in Dubai, facilities in Bahrain, and the national airport in Kuwait.
Evacuations of British citizens continue
Healey said the UK continues evacuation and protection operations for civilians. More than 170,000 people have registered with British authorities, while over 37,000 UK nationals have already left the Middle East since the crisis began.
Also read: UK sending second warship to Eastern Mediterranean
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