The Royal Air Force is sending six F-35B fighters to RAF Akrotiri, a major British airbase in Cyprus—presumably for use against Iran.

The Royal Air Force deployed six F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets to a key base in the Eastern Mediterranean in anticipation of a military clash between the United States and Iran.  

The stealth fighter jets will bolster British air power in the region—and are expected to play an important role in a potential conflict.  

RAF Fighter Jets Could Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones

The Times was the first to report the deployment of the F-35B stealth fighter jets to Cyprus. British Ministry of Defence sources confirmed the reports, justifying the deployment as a necessary measure to bolster British military capabilities in the region and increase RAF Akrotiri’s defensive posture. 

Although Tehran’s crackdown has stabilized the political situation inside the country, international pressure against the Iranian government continues. The US has moved substantial air and naval forces in the region in anticipation of military action against Iran.

The fifth-generation stealth fighter jets will join older combat aircraft already stationed in RAF Akrotiri. The Royal Air Force contingent deployed in RAF Akrotiri has approximately 10 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets. There is also a Protector RG1 unmanned aerial system contingent, as well as support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft deployed in RAF Akrotiri.  

The British military operates the “B” version of the F-35 Lightning II that has Short Take Off, Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities. STOVL aircraft are unique in the sense that they can take off and land like a helicopter but still perform like a fighter jet in the sky.  

Both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy operate the F-35B. The two British units flying the F-35 are the 617 Squadron RAF and 809 Naval Air Squadron. London is also expecting some “A” variants of the stealth fighter jet that will assume the all-important nuclear strike mission. 

The Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers, the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, sport a ramp at the end of the deck that is specifically designed to enable STOVL aircraft to take off more easily from aircraft carriers.  

The forward deployment of the F-35Bs to RAF Akrotiri highlights the air base’s importance in both stability and contingency operations.  

Why Does the UK Have an Air Base on Cyprus?

RAF Akrotiri is one of the most important bases for the British military.  

Located in Cyprus, the air base offers close proximity to the Middle East and North Africa. The air base’s legal status, a British Overseas Territory, means that London maintains full sovereignty and does not require the approval of the Cypriot government for any military action.  

It would not be the first time that the British military has used RAF Akrotiri for important military operations. Since 2014, the RAF has maintained a continuous fighter jet presence in Cyprus to support Operation Shader, its campaign against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.  

Moreover, in 2024, the Royal Air Force deployed Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to help intercept Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and one-way attack unmanned aerial systems heading toward Israel. The British fighter jets registered at least three successful interceptions during those clashes.  

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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