Wildcat helicopters deployed to Cyprus for air defence

The Royal Navy aircraft from 815 Naval Air Squadron were deployed from RNAS Yeovilton and transported via an RAF C-17 to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

On March 2, suspected drone strikes hit the RAF base in Cyprus after Prime Minister Kier Starmer said he had agreed to a US request to use British bases to protect UK nationals and allies in the region, accusing Iran of pursuing a 'scorched earth strategy'.

Image shows Royal Navy Wildcat HMA Mk2 (HMA2) during load onto RAF C-17, by RAF movers and RN personnel, at RNAS Yeovilton on the 5th of March 2025. (Image: Cpl Jake Hobbs RAF)

The Wildcat helicopters, armed with air-to-air Martlet missiles, will boost air defence capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean by targeting drones launched towards Cyprus.

Commander James Woods, commanding officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, said: “The deployment of 815 Naval Air Squadron Wildcat attack helicopters to Cyprus demonstrates our ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats and protect UK interests wherever they arise.

“We bring a highly-capable strike capability, and in this role they are providing a vital layer of defence against uncrewed aerial systems targeting UK Sovereign Base Areas.

“I’m immensely proud of the professionalism and adaptability shown by our engineers, logisticians and aviators. The current threat environment demands speed, adaptability and close integration with joint partners, while our advanced sensors and precision missiles ensure we can detect, track and, when necessary, defeat hostile drones before they threaten our people or infrastructure.

Royal Navy Wildcat HMA Mk2 (HMA2) being unloaded from an RAF C-17, by RAF movers and RN personnel, at a British base in Cyprus on the 6th of March 2025. (Image: AS1 Joshua Whiting)

“This deployment highlights the flexibility of Maritime Aviation Strike, delivered by Wildcat HMA 2, and the commitment of 815 NAS to protect UK interests abroad and at home.

“Our people train constantly for exactly this kind of mission, and it’s a privilege to see their professionalism and combat readiness delivering protection of Cyprus.”

The helicopters arrived at the RAF base in Cyprus on March 6.

The Wildcat-Martlet combination has not yet been used in live combat, but has shown strong performance during tests, with crews successfully destroying drone targets.