Helicopters from the 815 Naval Air Squadron were transported by an RAF C-17 to the Akrotiri base to reinforce defenses against drones.
Two AW159 Wildcat helicopters from the Royal Navy arrived at RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus to strengthen the defense of British forces in the region.
The aircraft belong to the 815 Naval Air Squadron and were quickly prepared at the RNAS Yeovilton base before being transported to the Eastern Mediterranean aboard an RAF C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft.
Armed with Martlet lightweight multirole missiles, the helicopters are now part of the British air defense network on the island, strengthening response capabilities against emerging threats.
Reinforcement against drones
The Martlet missiles were designed to neutralize drones and other small aerial threats. The system was declared to have full operational capability in October 2025.
Tests showed that the weapon can hit aerial targets both during the day and at night, offering an effective solution against subsonic drones when the helicopter is quickly directed for interception.
Shoulder-launched versions of the system have already demonstrated their effectiveness in the conflict in Ukraine, where several Russian drones were destroyed.
In tests, each Wildcat can carry up to 20 Martlet missiles, although operational helicopters are currently authorized to carry up to 10 units.
+ Video: Wildcat helicopter from the Royal Navy shows precision while shooting down a Banshee drone with a Martlet missile
RAF strategic transport
To fit inside the cargo hold of the C-17 Globemaster, technical teams removed parts of the helicopter, including the rotor blades, weapons wing, and tail horizontal stabilizer.
In addition to the aircraft, an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft transported crews, engineers, spare parts, and ammunition needed to sustain operations in Cyprus.
Transporting Wildcat helicopters using C-17 cargo aircraft is a common practice. In recent years, the aircraft have repeatedly been deployed to Norway to participate in the Clockwork military exercise.
Expanding British air defense network
The arrival of the Wildcats adds a new layer to the air defense system based in Cyprus.
The RAF Akrotiri base already operates with Typhoon and F-35B fighters, which conduct air patrol and drone interception missions to protect British and allied interests in the region.
Another reinforcement expected is the arrival of the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 class destroyer that should reach the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days. The ship has the capability to defend against medium-range ballistic missiles.
U.S. Navy destroyers accompanying the carrier strike group of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford are also operating nearby and have the capability to intercept ballistic threats.
Source and images: Ministry of Defence – X @DefenceHQ. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
