Military Working Dog Handlers deploy to Akrotiri to support British assets amid Iran war
The Military Working Dog (MWD) Operational Capability Unit has been deployed to RAF Akrotiri to bolster security at the base.
The MWD unit is the latest deployment of assets to the region, following the arrival of six F-35B Lightning from 617 Squadron, the Orcus Counter-Uncrewed Air System, and ground-based air defences in early February.
Security measures were increased around the base after a suspected drone strike by Lebanese Hezbollah at the start of last month.
Sniffing out danger
Corporal Sam, one of the MWD handlers, is one of many personnel supporting the protection of Akrotiri, which is the largest permanent British overseas airbase.
He regularly conducts patrols around the base, the aircraft and ammunition stores, as well as being deployed with his detection MWD, specialising in the search for weapons and explosives.
He said that this deployment is "different" due to the "increased threat risk from the Middle East".
The experience has reaffirmed to him the value of his work, "ensuring aircraft are protected and can fly to protect the island".
Working like a dog
Force protection measures in the region continue to be at the highest levels, the Ministry of Defence has said, in light of the continued threat to UK bases in the region.
The section is made up of multiple MWD capabilities: Patrol, Police, Drugs and Explosive Detection Dogs. Together, they have been managing the security of RAF Akrotiri.
In light of the higher demands, MWD handlers have added extra shifts. In the space of three weeks, the RAF Akrotiri MWD section has completed over 500 hours of foot patrols and over 25 hours of harness time, as of 26 March 2026 – double the conventional operational tempo.
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