British forces have deployed Stormer air defence vehicles to Cyprus to bolster reinforcement of the island’s airspace, the UK defence ministry confirmed on Tuesday.

The Stormer high velocity missile systems, equipped with Starstreak surface-to-air missiles, were deployed after UK forces intercepted 14 drones in a single engagement, the highest such count recorded by British troops in the region.

The system is designed to counter fast, low-flying threats, including drones.

The Starstreak missile, which travels at speeds exceeding Mach 3 (3700km/hr) and uses laser guidance, is designed to engage such targets with minimal reaction time, including in environments affected by electronic interference.

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The deployment forms part of a British military build-up around Cyprus, which has intensified since an Iranian-made drone struck the Akrotiri base earlier this month.

On Monday, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon arrived in waters off Cyprus, with commanding officer Ian Griffin stating he was “immensely proud” of the crew’s rapid deployment and readiness.

The ship is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system, capable of tracking multiple aerial threats simultaneously and intercepting targets including drones and supersonic missiles.

UK First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins said the destroyer would “play her full part in defending Cyprus and the wider eastern Mediterranean”, describing its presence as a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to protecting its interests in the region.

Additional aerial assets, including Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, have also been deployed, alongside specialist personnel tasked with coordinating air defence operations.

British prime minister Keir Starmer has said Cyprus’ security is “fundamental” to the UK, while maintaining that the island’s bases will not be used for offensive operations.

Israeli and Lebanese sources reported that a ballistic missile launched from Iran on Tuesday and intercepted over northern Lebanon may have been targeting the British bases in Cyprus, according to US military assessments.

At the same time, Turkish military activity has increased in the north, with fighter jets mobilising from Tymbou (Ercan) airport and airspace notices indicating potential further operations.