Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has declared that the British military bases on Cyprus represent a “colonial consequence” that must be openly addressed. He vowed to initiate frank discussions with the UK government about the future and status of these bases once tensions in the Middle East subside.
Arriving at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Christodoulides emphasized the need for transparency and dialogue regarding the British sovereign bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These bases were established under the 1960 treaty that granted Cyprus independence from Britain but retained UK sovereignty over these territories.
Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions at RAF Akrotiri
This month, RAF Akrotiri became a focal point when drone attacks—believed to have originated from Lebanon or Iraq—targeted the base shortly after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran erupted. One drone struck an aircraft hangar reportedly housing US reconnaissance planes, creating a significant breach, while two others were intercepted by British defenses.
In response, the UK deployed the naval destroyer HMS Dragon to reinforce Cyprus’s defenses amid local protests condemning the bases for making Cyprus a regional target.
Strategic Importance and Local Impact
Covering 98 square miles (254 square kilometers), the two sovereign bases constitute a vital employment hub, hosting over 10,000 Cypriot citizens. President Christodoulides stressed Cyprus’s responsibility for the welfare of these workers while acknowledging the complexity of any negotiations, given the original treaty involved multiple parties including the UK, Greece, Turkey, and representatives from the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
When pressed on whether he seeks the removal of the bases, Christodoulides maintained a firm but discreet stance: “We have a clear approach with regard to the future of the British bases… I’m not going to negotiate publicly.”
UK Ministry of Defence Reinforces the Bases’ Role
The UK Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that the bases serve a critical role in safeguarding British citizens and allies across the Mediterranean and Middle East. Since January, the UK has increased its defensive capabilities at Cyprus, deploying advanced radar systems, counter-drone technologies, F-35 fighter jets, ground-based air defenses, and 400 additional air defense personnel.
Europe Minister Stephen Doughty recently confirmed that British jets stationed on the island have conducted regular defensive missions alongside allied forces to protect shared interests.
Divided Opinions Among Cypriots
In the port city of Limassol, opinions about the British presence remain sharply divided. Some residents, like Konstantina, demand the immediate closure of the bases: “Close and leave, please.”
Kyriakos Panayiotou criticized the bases as benefiting the UK rather than Cyprus, stating, “The British decided some bases should remain in Cyprus. It was not done to protect us.”
Conversely, others see strategic value in the British alliance. Rebecca explained, “I don’t think we will be strong enough ever for them to leave, so I think it’s safer for us to have somebody that has our back. So, I’d like them to stay.” Her partner Damianos added, “Cyprus is independent, but not strong enough to be alone.”
Enhanced NATO Support Strengthens Cyprus Defence
UK Defence Minister John Healey visited RAF Akrotiri earlier this month, highlighting close military cooperation with Cyprus’s National Guard and backing from NATO allies including the US, France, Greece, and Germany.
Following the drone strike, the UK bolstered its military presence, with HMS Dragon entering the Mediterranean to support Cyprus’s defenses. In addition, Greece dispatched two frigates, France sent a naval ship, and Spain deployed a frigate, collectively reinforcing their European ally against regional threats.
