No question over British bases in Cyprus as Armed Forces Minister visits RAF Akrotiri

The Armed Forces Minister has defended the Sovereign Base Areas while meeting troops stationed in Cyprus.

Al Carns told BFBS Forces News the British territories on the island are "not in question."

The President of the Republic of Cyprus recently called for an "open and frank" conversation about the future of the SBAs following a drone attack at RAF Akrotiri in early March.

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Two British Overseas Territories were kept after Cyprus gained independence from the UK in 1960.

"The legal basis of the Sovereign Base Areas are not in question," Mr Carns said.

"Of course we’ve got to continue a dialogue with our Cypriot partners to ensure we’re protecting the 1.5m British tourists that come here every year and indeed our allies."

More than 500 additional personnel and air defences have bolstered security on the island since February and the beginning of the US war with Iran.

"We can never predict the response of any country in a crisis. Iran acted recklessly, shot out against ten different countries," the Armed Forces Minister told BFBS Forces News.

"We’ve increased air defence here and made sure it’s integrated with all our allies and partners across the region."

Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, plus Alvis Stormer air defences, support fighter jets in defending against drone attacks.

Mr Carns added: "We’ve got some of the best forces working across the Navy, Army, Air Force, RAF Regiment all here located across the island."

Alongside meeting personnel deployed to defend the island, the minister was given operational updates by the Commander of British Forces Cyprus and RAF Akrotiri Station Commander.

Major General Tom Bewick, CBF Cyprus said while another attack is unlikely, "there is a threat".

"This is an operational airbase just like the bases in the UK. People shouldn’t shy away from that, it’s fundamentally why we’re here."

"It’s a busy and really crucial part of the world," he added.

Forces News understands that most of the 1,100 family members and non-essential personnel who were evacuated after the drone attack on 2 March have now returned to the airbase, ending the use of hotels.

Group Captain Adam Smolak, Station Commander said: "I’m incredibly proud of everything everyone has done here."

He added: "They’re engaged and on mission delivering an operational output that is quite frankly phenomenal."