London (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 07, 2026 – Britain has deployed several F-35B fighter jets to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, according to open-source flight tracking data. The movement coincides with escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran and its proxies. RAF Akrotiri serves as a key British base for regional operations and surveillance missions.
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence confirmed the deployment of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, as tracked by open-source aviation monitoring services. Flight data from ADS-B Exchange recorded multiple F-35s departing RAF Marham in Norfolk on 5 February 2026, arriving at the sovereign base area within hours. The jets enhance Britain's air projection in the Eastern Mediterranean.
RAF Akrotiri, established in 1960, hosts permanent RAF personnel and serves as a hub for reconnaissance and combat air patrols. The base supported Operation Shader against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, logging thousands of sorties since 2014. Recent deployments respond to heightened threats from Iran-backed groups in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, per Ministry of Defence statements.
Background on F-35B Deployment Details
The F-35B variant, operated by the RAF and Royal Navy, features advanced stealth, sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Britain operates 34 F-35Bs as of January 2026, with plans for 138 by 2030. Each aircraft costs £92 million, equipped with Spear 3 missiles and Paveway IV bombs.
Flight tracking websites identified serial numbers ZM357 and ZM359 among the arrivals, joining four F-35Bs already at Akrotiri from previous rotations. Ground crews established maintenance facilities, with jets spotted on hardstands via satellite imagery. The deployment marks the largest F-35 concentration at the base since 2024 Red Sea operations.
Royal Air Force personnel from 617 Squadron piloted the aircraft. The squadron achieved initial operating capability in 2019 and participated in NATO Baltic Air Policing missions. Akrotiri's 3,659-metre runway accommodates all RAF fast jets.
Regional Tensions Prompting the Deployment
Tensions escalated after Iranian missile strikes on Israeli targets in January 2026, prompting US and allied force posture changes. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping intensified, with 45 vessels targeted since November 2023. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported Iranian drone transfers to Houthis via commercial vessels.
Hezbollah launched 8,000 rockets into northern Israel since October 2023, displacing 60,000 residents. Syrian-based militias attacked US bases 200 times, killing three American soldiers. RAF Akrotiri Tyrfing missions using RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft monitor these threats.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Parliament on 4 February 2026, reaffirming Britain's commitment to regional stability. Foreign Secretary David Lammy met Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, discussing base security.
RAF Akrotiri's Strategic Role in Operations
The base hosts Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, protecting undersea cables and shipping lanes. In December 2025, P-8As tracked seven Iranian vessels breaching sanctions. Akrotiri supported US F-22 deployments during Iran-Israel exchanges, providing refuelling via Voyager tankers.
Cyprus hosts two sovereign base areas under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, covering 254 square kilometres. RAF Akrotiri employs 2,000 personnel and hosts US, French, and Jordanian detachments. The base features hardened aircraft shelters upgraded in 2024.
NATO allies commended the deployment during a 6 February Brussels meeting. Italian Tornado jets operated from Akrotiri in 2024 for Libya missions.
Defence analyst Stuart Crawford questioned the official narrative on the deployment's purpose. Stuart Crawford @509298 said in X post,
“I think the more honest headline might be "UK Sends F-35 Jets To Cyprus To Join In US/Israeli Attack On Iran". After all they're not going to use them for air defence, are they?”
F-35B Capabilities in Middle East Context
F-35Bs integrate with E-7 Wedgetail early warning aircraft, providing real-time battlespace awareness. Sensors detect targets at 150 nautical miles, sharing data via Link 16. The jets carry 6.8 tonnes of ordnance internally for stealth missions.
In 2025 exercises with Israeli F-35Is over the Mediterranean, British pilots practised joint operations. US Central Command coordinates multi-national air tasking orders from Bahrain, including RAF assets.
Maintenance requires climate-controlled hangars, installed at Akrotiri in 2023. Low-observability coatings demand specialised care, with UK purchasing local support contracts.
Timeline of Recent Middle East Escalations
Iran unveiled Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles in June 2025, capable of reaching Cyprus. Israeli strikes degraded 40 per cent of Iran's missile production in October 2025. Houthi claims of sinking two UK supply ships remain unverified.
US President Donald Trump authorised B-52 deployments to Diego Garcia on 3 February 2026. French Rafales joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, escorting 120 merchant vessels.
UK Parliament approved £1.2 billion in additional defence spending for munitions on 29 January 2026. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Akrotiri, inspecting F-35 readiness.
Cyprus Government's Position on Base Usage
President Christodoulides stated the bases contribute to regional security without compromising Cyprus neutrality. Local mayors near Akrotiri reported no disruptions from jet noise.
Turkish Foreign Ministry protested the deployment on 6 February, citing Aegean airspace concerns. NATO urged de-escalation, affirming Cyprus bases' defensive role.
Historical Precedents for Akrotiri Deployments
During 2011 Libya operations, Typhoons flew 3,000 hours from Akrotiri, destroying 400 targets. In 2018, F-35Bs supported Syria strikes alongside US and French jets. The base refuelled 1,200 sorties against ISIS by 2019.
2024 Yemen deployments saw Typhoons strike Houthi radars, confirmed by Pentagon briefings. Akrotiri's location enables two-hour response times to Gulf hotspots.
Logistics and Sustainment Arrangements
Additional C-17 Globemasters delivered 40 tonnes of supplies, including JDAM kits. HMS Diamond destroyer provides air defence in nearby waters. Akrotiri's fuel farm holds 20 million litres, supporting 90-day operations.
BAESystems technicians deployed under Operation Shader extension, approved by Commons vote. Personnel welfare facilities expanded with 200 new beds.
International Coordination Efforts
US European Command praised RAF interoperability in Stuttgart press conference. Jordanian F-16s train regularly at Akrotiri under Operation Shader. Greek Mirages conducted joint patrols in December 2025.
UN Cyprus peacekeeping force monitors base perimeters, reporting normal activity. EU defence ministers discussed Iran threats in videoconference on 7 February.
As deployments continue, RAF Akrotiri maintains heightened readiness amid ongoing regional developments.