Britain has deployed six F-35 fighter jets to Cyprus to bolster its defensive readiness, as fears grow over the possibility of a military confrontation between the United States and Iran.
According to The Times, six F-35B aircraft have been stationed at the RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, with the aim of strengthening the protection of British bases in the region.
British defence officials said the aircraft departed from an RAF base on Friday and will support defensive operations should the security situation in the Middle East deteriorate.
Military readiness
The F-35s will operate alongside Typhoon fighter jets already based in Cyprus, which are taking part in missions against remaining Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria.
The same report notes that four Typhoon jets from a joint UK–Qatar squadron were deployed to Qatar earlier this year. However, despite ongoing US–Iran talks in Oman, sanctions on Iranian oil exports continue to fuel international concern.
Britain’s move, while framed as a precautionary measure to enhance military readiness as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, has been met with unease in the international press.