View source for RAF Akrotiri

{{Short description|Royal Air Force station on Cyprus}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name         = RAF Akrotiri
|ensign       = RAF Akrotiri flag.svg
|ensign_size  = 140
|native_name  = 
|partof       = 
|location     = Akrotiri
|nearest_town =
|country      = [[Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia]], [[Geography of Cyprus|Cyprus]]
|image        = RAF CONDUCTS FIRST AIR STRIKES OF IRAQ MISSION MOD 45158633.jpg 
|image_size   = 300
|alt          = 
|caption      = A RAF [[Tornado GR4]] returns to RAF Akrotiri after a mission undertaken during [[Operation Shader]]
|image2       = RAF Akrotiri badge.svg
|image2_size  = 150px
|alt2         = 
|caption2     = {{Language with name/for|la|Acra semper acria|The Peninsula is Always Eager|break=yes}}
|pushpin_map  = Europe#Mediterranean#Cyprus
|pushpin_mapsize= 300
|pushpin_map_alt= 
|pushpin_map_caption= 
|pushpin_relief= y
|pushpin_label= RAF Akrotiri
|pushpin_label_position= 
|pushpin_mark = RAF roundel.svg
|pushpin_marksize= 
|coordinates  = {{Coord|34|35|25|N|32|59|16|E|region:CY_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
|type         = Permanent joint operating base
|code         = 
|site_area    = {{Convert|2,128|ha}}
|height       = 
|ownership    = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
|operator     = [[Royal Air Force]]
|controlledby = [[British Forces Cyprus]]
|open_to_public= 
|condition    = operational
|built        = {{Start date and age|1955|07|01|df=yes}}
|builder      = 
|used         = 1955 – present<!--{{End date|1946}} -->
|materials    = 
|battles      = 
|events       = 
|current_commander= [[Group Captain]] Adam Smolak
|past_commanders= <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
|garrison     = 
|occupants    = *[[No. 84 Squadron RAF]]
*[[No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (United Kingdom)|No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing]]
*Cyprus Operations Support Unit
|elevation    = {{Convert|75.4|ft|0|abbr=off}}
|IATA= AKT
|ICAO= LCRA
|LID = 
|GPS = 
|WMO = 17601
|r1-number = 10/28
|r1-length = {{Convert|2745|x|45|m|0}}
|r1-surface= grooved blacktop [[asphalt concrete]]
|website   = {{Official website|https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-akrotiri/}}
|footnotes = '''Source:''' United Kingdom Military Aeronautical Information Publication<ref name=MoD-AIP>{{cite web|url=https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/LCRA-Akrotiri-Combined.pdf|title=United Kingdom Military Aeronautical Information Publication AD 2 - LCRA – Akrotiri|website=AIDU.MoD.uk|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|date=11 August 2022|access-date=23 August 2023}}</ref>
}}
'''Royal Air Force Akrotiri''', commonly abbreviated '''RAF Akrotiri''' {{Airport codes|AKT|LCRA}} ({{Langx|el|Βασιλική Πολεμική Αεροπορία Ακρωτηρίου|Vasilikí Polemikí Aeroporía Akrotiríou}}; {{Langx|tr|Kraliyet Hava kuvvetleri Ağrotur}}) is a large [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) military [[airbase]] on the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] island of [[Cyprus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-akrotiri/|title=RAF Akrotiri - The Station|publisher=Royal Air Force|access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref>  It is located in the [[Western Sovereign Base Area]], one of two areas which comprise [[Akrotiri and Dhekelia]], a [[British Overseas Territory]], administered as a [[Sovereign Base Area]].

The station was constructed in the mid-1950s, and was the base for operations during the [[Suez Crisis]] in 1956, the [[EOKA]] revolt, and monitoring of the Egypt / Israel Suez Canal fighting and cease-fire in the 1970s. It went on to be used during the reception of American casualties after the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing]] and was used during the [[1986 Bombing of Libya|retaliatory attacks against Libya]] in 1986. It played a major role as a transit point for personnel evacuations out of Lebanon during the [[2006 Lebanon War]] and was used as a staging base for support aircraft involved in [[Operation Ellamy]], the UK's contribution to the [[NATO]]-led military intervention in Libya, in 2011.

In August 2014, RAF [[Panavia Tornado]] fighter-bombers were deployed to Akrotiri to carry out [[reconnaissance]] missions over [[Iraq]], following the rise of [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State]] (ISIS) and in September 2014, British aircraft from the base intercepted and attacked an ISIS target, at the request of Iraqi [[Peshmerga|Kurdish fighters]]. In 2018, the station was used to support the [[2018 missile strikes against Syria]] and, in 2024, Typhoons based in Akrotiri [[2024 missile strikes in Yemen|struck Houthi targets in Yemen]].

The [[station commander]] has a dual role, and is also the officer commanding the Akrotiri or [[Western Sovereign Base Area]], reporting to the commander of [[British Forces Cyprus]] (BFC) who is also the [[Administrator of the Government|Administrator]].

==History==
RAF Akrotiri was first constructed in the mid-1950s to relieve pressure on the main RAF station in the centre of the island, [[RAF Nicosia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/research/RAF-Historical-Society-Journals/Journal-38.pdf|title=Journal 30|website=RAFMuseum.org.uk|page=9|publisher=[[Royal Air Force Historical Society]]|date=2007|access-date=23 August 2023|issn=1361-4231}}</ref>

===Suez Crisis===
[[File:Map of Akrotiri-en.svg|305px|thumb|Location of RAF Akrotiri within the Western Sovereign Base Area|alt=]]
In late 1956, relations between the United Kingdom and Egypt had reached a crisis.  The [[Suez Crisis]] saw a further increase in the strength of RAF forces in Cyprus.  Akrotiri was mainly an [[airfield]] for [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]], [[photo reconnaissance]], and [[Bomber aircraft|ground attack aircraft]].  Its regular squadrons of [[Gloster Meteor]] night fighters, [[English Electric Canberra]] photo reconnaissance aircraft, and [[de Havilland Venom]] ground attack machines were reinforced by further Canberras which were ready for action if Egypt attacked [[Israel]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Varble|first=Derek|date=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r3PGQy4GNeEC&pg=PA51|title=The Suez Crisis|page=51|publisher=Osprey|isbn=978-1841764184}}</ref>

===1960s===
After the Suez Crisis, the main emphasis of life on the airfield shifted to helping fight the [[EOKA]] revolt, and training missions.  After the withdrawal from both Egypt and [[Iraq]], and Suez Crisis, it was clear that a command centred on Cyprus could not control units stationed in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], of which there were still many.  Consequently, the [[Middle East Command]] was split; with that east of Suez being controlled from [[Aden]], Yemen, and the remainder being renamed the [[Near East Command]], controlled from Cyprus.  From 1957 to 1969, four squadrons operating the Canberra ([[No. 6 Squadron RAF|No. 6 Squadron]], [[No. 32 Squadron RAF|No. 32 Squadron]], [[No. 73 Squadron RAF|No. 73 Squadron]], and [[No. 249 Squadron RAF|No. 249 Squadron]]) provided first a conventional and then from November 1961, a [[Tactical nuclear weapon|nuclear striking]] capability as part of the [[Baghdad Pact]], later the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO).<ref>Lee, 1989, 172-176.</ref>

Akrotiri, along with [[RAF Nicosia|Nicosia]], assumed a very important status, as virtually the sole means for projecting British airpower into the eastern Mediterranean, outside of aircraft carriers.  In 1960, independence was granted to Cyprus, with the RAF maintaining both RAF Nicosia and RAF Akrotiri as airfields, controlled by the [[Near East Air Force]] (NEAF). However, Akrotiri assumed more importance as Nicosia was used for greater civil aviation traffic.  After 1966, it was no longer possible to maintain RAF units at Nicosia due to pressures of space, and Akrotiri became the only RAF flying station left on the island.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Proctor|first=Ian|date=2014|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C5mPBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA83|title=The Royal Air Force in the Cold War 1950-1970|publisher=[[Pen and Sword]]|isbn=978-1783831890}}</ref>

===1970s===
In August 1970, detachment 'G' of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) arrived at the airfield with [[Lockheed U-2]] [[reconnaissance]] aircraft to monitor the Egypt / Israel Suez Canal fighting and cease-fire.  Permanent monitoring of the Middle East Ceasefire was undertaken by the [[100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]] after the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]], known as Operation 'OLIVE HARVEST'.<ref name=Hansard-19900615>{{Cite Hansard|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1990/jun/15/raf-akrotiri|title=RAF Akrotiri|volume=174|jurisdiction=[[UK Parliament]]|house=[[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]|column=380W|date=15 June 1990|access-date=19 August 2013|position=Defence}}</ref>

Up until 1974, RAF Akrotiri had a balanced force of aircraft assigned to it, including [[No. 9 Squadron RAF|No. 9 Squadron]] and [[No. 35 Squadron RAF|No. 35 Squadron]], both flying [[Avro Vulcan]] strategic bombers.  The Vulcans provided a bomber force for CENTO, one of the three main anti-Communist mutual defence pacts signed in the early days of the [[Cold War]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lee|first=Sir David|author-link=David Lee (RAF officer)|date=1989|title=Wings in the Sun: A History of the Royal Air Force in the Mediterranean 1945-1986|location=Great Britain|publisher=RAF [[Air Historical Branch]], [[HMSO|HMSO Books]]}}</ref>  However, during that year, [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|Turkish forces invaded Cyprus]] in connection with a Greek-sponsored coup.  The UK then evacuated most of the RAF from Akrotiri as the CENTO treaty had degenerated to the point of uselessness.  The two Vulcan squadrons left for UK stations in 1975.  What was left at the airfield was the flying unit that is permanently assigned to the station to this day; [[No. 84 Squadron RAF|No. 84 Squadron]], a helicopter search and rescue unit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/84squadron.cfm|title=84 Squadron|website=RAF.MoD.uk|publisher=[[Royal Air Force]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901211854/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/84squadron.cfm|archive-date=1 September 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=19 November 2017}}</ref>  In addition, the role of [[No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment]] provided support.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pike|first=Mike|title=Gunners target Daesh terror with Cyprus Return|work=[[RAF News]]|issue=1,453|date=19 October 2018|page=13|issn=0035-8614}}</ref>

In September 1976, the US U-2 operations were reassigned to the [[9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]] (9th SRW), but the U-2 operation at RAF Akrotiri continued to be called Operating Location (OLIVE HARVEST) OH until September 1980.  Thereafter, it became Detachment 3 of the 9th SRW, although the name OLIVE HARVEST continues.  Two U-2s are stationed at RAF Akrotiri, and they are still monitoring the ceasefire agreement between the Egypt and Israel, although the present operations in the [[United States Central Command|US Central Command]] area requires further missions.  U-2s also transit through RAF Akrotiri either on going into the Central Command theatre, or returning to [[Beale Air Force Base|Beale AFB]], California.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-cyprus-rendition-torture|title=UK overruled on Lebanon spy flights from Cyprus, WikiLeaks cables reveal|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=2 December 2010|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Lightning at RAF Akrotiri.jpg|thumb|left|[[English Electric Lightning]] F.6 (XS929), displayed as a [[gate guardian]] at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus which arrived during June 1988, straight from RAF Binbrook{{sfn|March|1989|p=88}}.|alt=]]

===1980s===
Due to the station's relative proximity to the Middle East, it was used for the reception of American casualties after the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AMH/XX/MidEast/Lebanon-1982-1984/DOD-Report/Beirut-8.html|title=Report of the DoD Commission on Beirut Int'l Airport terrorist act, October 23, 1983 – part eight|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref>

Between April 1983 and September 1984, RAF [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Boeing Chinook]] helicopters deployed to Akrotiri in support of British United Nations forces in Lebanon ([[UNIFIL]]).{{sfn|Cotter|2008|p=71}}

In the mid-1980s, the US launched [[1986 Bombing of Libya|retaliatory attacks against Libya]] after the country's leader, [[Muammar al-Gaddafi]], was implicated in the [[West Berlin discotheque bombing|bombing of a West Berlin discotheque]].  Although the bombing operations were staged out of the UK, Akrotiri was employed in the role of an alternate in case of emergency, and was used as such by at least one aircraft.  This led to retaliatory action against the British base.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/05/world/british-base-on-cyprus-attacked-2-wounded.html|title=British base on Cyprus attacked: two wounded|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=5 August 1986|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>

===2000s–2010s===
[[File:An 11 Squadron Typhoon at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.jpg|thumb|An [[No. 11 Squadron RAF|11 Squadron]] [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] parked at RAF Akrotiri.|alt=]]
In July 2006, RAF Akrotiri played a major role as a transit point for personnel evacuations out of Lebanon during the [[2006 Lebanon War]] (see [[International reactions to the 2006 Lebanon War#Evacuation of foreign nationals|international reactions to the 2006 Lebanon War]] and [[Joint Task Force Lebanon]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hri.org/news/cyprus/cna/2006/06-07-17_1.cna.html|title=News in English|website=HRI.org|publisher=[[Cyprus News Agency]]|date=6 July 2017|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207205141/http://www.hri.org/news/cyprus/cna/2006/06-07-17_1.cna.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Akrotiri was the location of the main transmitter of the well known [[numbers station]], the [[Lincolnshire Poacher (numbers station)|Lincolnshire Poacher]], although transmissions ceased in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mason|first=Simon|date=30 October 2009|url=http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/page14.html|title=E3 Lincolnshire Poacher|access-date=2 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202060629/http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/page14.html|archive-date=2 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In March 2011, the station was used as a staging base for support aircraft involved in [[Operation Ellamy]], the UK's contribution to the [[NATO]]-led military intervention in Libya.  [[Aerial refueling|Tanker support]] and logistical units were based here to support aerial operations over the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UpdatedSecondUkStrikeAgainstLibyanDefenceAssets.htm|title=Second UK strike against Libyan defence assets|website=MoD.uk|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref>

In August 2013, six RAF [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] aircraft were deployed to Akrotiri to defend the base, "to ensure the protection of UK interests and the defence of our sovereign base areas at a time of heightened tension in the wider region".  Earlier, two [[Lockheed TriStar (RAF)|RAF Lockheed TriStar]] aerial refuelling aircraft and a [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|Boeing Sentry AEW1]] had been deployed to Akrotiri.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rankin|first=Ben|date=29 August 2013|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/syria-raf-typhoon-jets-sent-2235332|title=Syria: RAF Typhoon jets sent to Cyprus|website=Mirror.co.uk|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/typhoons-deploying-to-cyprus|title=Typhoons deploying to Cyprus|website=GOV.UK|publisher=[[HM Government]]|date= |access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref>

The station hosted the main hospital for [[British Forces Cyprus]], [[The Princess Mary's Hospital, RAF Akrotiri|The Princess Mary's Hospital]] (TPMH), located on [[Cape Zevgari]].  This closed in October 2012, and cases too serious to be dealt with at the base health clinic are sent to the private Ygia Polyclinic in [[Limassol]].<ref name=MoD-AIP/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Vassallo|first=David|date=2017|title=A history of the Princess Mary Hospital; Royal Air Force Akrotiri 1963-2013|publisher=Vassallo|isbn=9780992798017|page=22}}</ref>

In August 2014, six RAF [[Panavia Tornado]] fighter-bombers were deployed to Akrotiri to carry out [[reconnaissance]] missions over [[Iraq]], following the rise of [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State]] (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.  On 26 September 2014, [[Member of parliament|Members of Parliament]] voted in favour of the RAF carrying out [[Operation Shader|air strikes]] on ISIS in Iraq, and on 27 September the first two Tornado jets took off from Akrotiri loaded with [[laser-guided bomb]]s and missiles.  On 30 September 2014, two British Tornados successfully intercepted and attacked ISIS targets of a heavily armed truck, at the request of Iraqi [[Peshmerga|Kurdish fighters]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/30/raf-planes-bomb-islamic-state-targets-iraq-first-time|title=RAF planes bomb Islamic State targets in Iraq for the first time|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=30 September 2014|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29393379|title=RAF jets sent on Iraqi combat mission|website=BBC.co.uk|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=}}</ref>

Work started in the summer of 2015 on upgrading Akrotiri's airfield infrastructure. The £46m project included the resurfacing of the runway, taxiways and aircraft aprons and installation of ground lighting systems, drainage infrastructure and [[Arresting gear|runway hydraulic arrestor gear]]. The project was completed in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RAF Akrotiri |url=https://laganmeica.com/case-studies/aviation/raf-akrotiri |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Lagan MEICA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-28 |title=RAF Akrotiri opens newly-renovated runway |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-akrotiri-opens-newly-renovated-runway |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] and [[Defence Infrastructure Organisation]] |language=en}}</ref>

The station was used to support the [[2018 missile strikes against Syria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43763605|title=Syria air strikes: UK confident strikes were successful, says PM|website=BBC.co.uk|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=14 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref>

In June 2019, the station launched the RAF's first [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]] operational sortie. Six aircraft were deployed to take part in operations against Islamic State.<ref>{{Cite news|title=UK stealth fighter jets join fight against Islamic State|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48745027|website=BBC.co.uk|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=25 June 2019}}</ref>
[[File:USMC CH-53 Akrotiri.jpg|thumb|[[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]] helicopter at RAF Akrotiri.|alt=]]
[[File:Red Arrows flying over HMS Illustrious. MOD 45147895.jpg|thumb|[[Red Arrows]] flying over {{HMS|Illustrious|R06}} next to Akrotiri.|alt=]]
[[File:View from the cockpit of a Hawk TMK1.jpg|thumb|View of Akrotiri from the cockpit of a Hawk T1|alt=]]

===2020s===
Flight logs indicated that UK military transport aircraft made numerous flights from Akrotiri to Tel Aviv’s [[Ben Gurion Airport]] during the [[Gaza war]]. The reasons for the flights were unknown.<ref>{{cite web |title=UK reportedly using Akrotiri for military flights to Tel Aviv since Gaza war |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/uk-reportedly-using-akrotiri-for-military-flights-to-tel-aviv-since-gaza-war/ |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |access-date=12 December 2023 |date=12 December 2023}}</ref>

Four Typhoons based in Akrotiri [[2024 missile strikes in Yemen|struck Houthi targets in Yemen on 12 January 2024]].<ref>{{ cite web | title=US, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen | url=https://news.yahoo.com/us-british-militaries-launch-massive-235223034.html |website=news.yahoo.com |access-date=12 January 2024 |date=12 January 2024}}</ref>

The RAF reportedly assisted [[Israel]] during the [[April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|April 2024 Iranian strikes on Israeli territory]] from jets that had taken of from RAF Akrotiri and were flying over [[Iraq]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-14 |title=British fighter jets dispatched from Akrotiri after Iran launches attack against Israel |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/04/14/british-aircraft-dispatched-from-akrotiri-after-iran-launches-attack-against-israel/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-13 |title=Η βάση της RAF στο Ακρωτήρι επανήλθε στην προσοχή για τον ρόλο της στη σύγκρουση στη Λωρίδα της Γάζας: Η στρατηγική σημασία της βρετανικής εγκατάστασης στην Κύπρο |url=https://hellasjournal.com/2024/01/i-vasi-tis-raf-sto-akrotiri-epanilthe-stin-prosochi-gia-ton-rolo-tis-sti-sigkrousi-sti-lorida-tis-gazas-i-stratigiki-simasia-tis-vretanikis-egkatastasis-stin-kipro/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Hellasjournal.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

During 2024, protesters demonstrated outside the base against the UK and US' use of the base to support Israel in its military actions in [[Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip|Gaza]] and [[2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon|Lebanon]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kades |first1=Andria |title='Cyprus might be targeted' – anti-war protest outside Akrotiri bases |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/09/25/cyprus-might-be-targeted-anti-war-protest-outside-akrotiri-bases/ |website=cyprus-mail.com |access-date=3 October 2024 |language=en |date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

In June 2025, [[Cyprus Police]] arrested a British-Azeri man on charges of espionage and terrorism among other charges with the man's primary targets being RAF Akrotiri and the Cypriot airbase in [[Paphos International Airport|Pafos]], allegedly for [[Iran|Iran's]] [[IRGC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-22 |title=British man arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of spying and terrorism offences |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2025-06-21/british-man-arrested-in-cyrpus-on-suspicion-of-spying-and-terrorism-offences |website=itv.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-21 |title=British man arrested in Cyprus suspected of spying and terror offences |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c628jy5rg78o |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-21 |title=Θρίλερ στην Κύπρο με τη σύλληψη Αζέρου για κατασκοπεία - Ο πλούσιος εξοπλισμός του, το Ιράν και το σενάριο για «χτύπημα» |url=https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1657949/i-kupros-paramenei-pedio-upogeiou-polemou-kataskopon-kai-tromokraton/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622124405/https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1657949/i-kupros-paramenei-pedio-upogeiou-polemou-kataskopon-kai-tromokraton/ |archive-date=2025-06-22 |access-date=2025-06-22 |work=ProtoThema |language=el-GR}}</ref>

==Controversies==
===Radar===
In 2007, a large [[over-the-horizon radar]] antenna was erected within the base.  Several demonstrations and protests took place, with the most memorable incident being the act of MP (MEP since 2004) [[Marios Matsakis]] chaining himself to the antenna.  Matsakis stated "It is outrageous that in the 21st century there are Cypriot villages living under British military rule, neither under their own government's jurisdiction nor under the protection of the EU treaties".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6550619.stm|title=MEP arrested at UK base in Cyprus|website=News.BBC.co.uk|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=12 April 2007|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>

===United States surveillance flights===
In 2010, U-2s from the [[United States Air Force]]'s 9th Reconnaissance Wing were used in [[Operation Cedar Sweep]] to fly surveillance over Lebanon, relaying information about [[Hezbollah]] militants to Lebanese authorities, and in Operation Highland Warrior to fly surveillance over Turkey and northern Iraq to relay information to Turkish authorities. These flights were the topic of acrimonious [[United States diplomatic cables leak|leaked diplomatic cables]] between British officials and the American embassy, with [[David Miliband]] saying that "policymakers needed to get control of the military".  The British were concerned that the flights over Lebanon were authorised by the [[Lebanese Ministry of Defence]], rather than the entire cabinet, and that the intelligence so gained could lead to the UK being complicit in the unlawful torture of detainees.  After warnings that these issues "could jeopardise future use of British territory", [[John Rood]], a senior Bush administration official, and [[Mariot Leslie]], the [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office|Foreign Office's]] director general for defence and intelligence, became involved.  Leslie said that the U.S. was not actually expected to check on detained terrorists, but that future spy missions would require full written applications.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Norton-Taylor|first1=Richard|last2=Leigh|first2=David|date=1 December 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/01/wikileaks-cables-cyprus-rendition-torture|title=UK overruled on Lebanon spy flights from Cyprus, WikiLeaks cables reveal|website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

=== Surveillance flights over Gaza ===
Between December 2023 and March 2025, the RAF carried out more than 500 surveillance flights over [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Overton |first=Iain |date=2025-03-27 |title=Britain sent over 500 spy flights to Gaza: AOAV study reveals the scale of British intelligence gathering above Gaza, raising fears of complicity in Israeli war crimes |url=https://aoav.org.uk/2025/britain-sent-over-500-spy-flights-to-gaza-aoav-study-reveals-the-scale-of-british-intelligence-gathering-above-gaza-raising-fears-of-complicity-in-israeli-war-crimes/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=AOAV |language=en-US}}</ref> The MoD uses [[Shadow R1]] planes for the surveillance. The crews responsible for flying the planes come from [[No. 14 Squadron RAF|14 Squadron]], which is based at [[RAF Waddington]] in [[Lincolnshire]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Lucy |title=David Lammy contradicted as UK 'shares Gaza spy plane data with Israel' |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/25370726.uk-government-continuing-send-spy-planes-gaza/ |website=The National |access-date=12 August 2025 |language=en |date=6 August 2025}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|MoD]] said that the flights have been in support of hostage rescue. It has also repeatedly refused to answer questions about what the base is being used for.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corbyn presents inquiry bill as UK spy planes continue flights over Gaza |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-spy-planes-continue-fly-over-gaza-corbyn-tables-inquiry-bill |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracted a US company to conduct the spy-flights over Gaza from Akrotiri. It said this was due to a shortage of planes. The company conducting the flights is a subsidiary of [[Sierra Nevada Corporation]], a large military contractor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Larisa |title=Blunder reveals UK hired foreign contractors for Gaza spy mission |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/gaza-spying-us-news-lp90mz062 |website=www.thetimes.com |access-date=7 August 2025 |language=en |date=6 August 2025}}</ref> Information collected by the spy-flights is shared with Israel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Larisa |title=RAF still carrying out surveillance flights over Gaza for Israel |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/raf-flights-gaza-news-0sdmvvz70 |website=www.thetimes.com |access-date=12 August 2025 |language=en |date=5 August 2025}}</ref> The flights have captured information about Israeli attacks on Gaza but the MoD has not released the information. The family of James Kirby, who was killed by Israel in the [[World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack]], criticised the UK government for refusing to release information gathered about the attack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mulla |first1=Imran |title=MPs urge UK to disclose if it holds spy plane footage of Al Jazeera journalist's killings |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-mps-urge-government-disclose-if-it-holds-spy-plane-footage-journalists-killings |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=13 August 2025 |language=en |date=13 August 2025}}</ref> A RAF spy plane captured footage while flying over Gaza on the day of the attack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitib |first1=Ali |title=Family of British aid worker killed in Gaza may sue Israel |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/family-of-british-aid-worker-killed-in-gaza-may-sue-israel-rwwrvhdv5 |website=www.thetimes.com |access-date=13 August 2025 |language=en |date=1 April 2025}}</ref>

==Based units==
[[File:Akrotiri Airhead.jpg|thumb|The passenger terminal at RAF Akrotiri.|alt=]]
Units based at RAF Akrotiri.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RAF Akrotiri|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-akrotiri/|website=RAF.MoD.uk|publisher=[[Royal Air Force]]|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2021|title=U-2S/TU-2S 'Dragon Lady'|journal=United States Air Force Air Power Yearbook 2021|publisher=Key Publishing|pages=113}}</ref>

===Royal Air Force===
'''[[No. 2 Group RAF|No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) RAF]]'''
*[[No. 84 Squadron RAF|No. 84 Squadron]]
'''[[No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group|No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF]]'''
*[[No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (United Kingdom)|No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing]]
**[[Operation Shader]] (anti-ISIL operations)/[[2024 missile strikes in Yemen|anti-Houthi operations]] (2024)
***Detachment of [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4]] from [[RAF Coningsby]]<ref name="AFMJAN16-4">{{Cite book|title=[[Air Forces Monthly]]|date=January 2016|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], [[Lincolnshire]], [[England]]|page=4}}</ref> and [[RAF Lossiemouth]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Air Force and US attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen: What we know so far|url=https://www.forces.net/news/royal-air-force-and-us-attacks-houthi-rebels-yemen-what-we-know-so-far|website=Forces Net |date=12 January 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref>
**Elements of the RAF Air Mobility Force:
***[[Airbus A400M Atlas]] transport aircraft (replaced previously operated [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Hercules C5]] aircraft withdrawn from RAF service in 2023)
***[[Airbus Voyager|Voyager KC3]] tanker aircraft<ref name="AFMJAN16-4"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=RAF Typhoons destroyed all Houthi rebel targets during second wave of strikes, PM says |url=https://www.forces.net/middle-east/pictures-raf-typhoons-carry-out-further-strikes-against-houthi-targets-yemen |website=Forces Net |date= 23 January 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref>
**Elements of the [[RAF Waddington#Based units|RAF ISTAR Force]]:
***[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper#Protector|Protector UAV]]  UAVs ([[No. 13 Squadron RAF]]) deployed at RAF Akrotiri as of October 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/protector-rg1-first-known-overseas-deployment/|title=RAF Protector RG1s Have Begun First Known Overseas Deployment|website=The Aviationist |date=18 October 2025|access-date=19 October 2025 |last=Greet |first=Kai}}</ref> and [[Boeing RC-135#RC-135W Rivet Joint (Project Airseeker)|RC-135W Rivet Joint]] ([[No. 51 Squadron RAF]]) (aircraft may operate in the theatre from locations other than RAF Akrotiri)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-deploys-reaper-to-the-middle-east|title=UK deploys Reaper to the Middle East|website=GOV.UK|publisher=[[HM Government]]|date=16 October 2014|access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/raf-rivet-joint-on-first-operational-deployment-over-iraq/114263.article|title=RAF Rivet Joint on first operational deployment over Iraq|website=FlightGlobal.com|publisher=[[Flight Global]]|date=21 August 2014|access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>
***[[Beechcraft Super King Air|Shadow R1]] aircraft from [[No. 14 Squadron RAF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://milavreachout.org/2022/02/27/raf-shadow-r1/|title=RAF Shadow R1|website=Milavreachout.org|date=27 February 2022|access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>
** [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8 Poseidon aircraft]] from [[RAF Lossiemouth]] (deployed in October 2023 in conjunction with the Royal Navy's [[Littoral Response Group#Littoral Response Group (South)|Littoral Response Group (South)]] in response to the outbreak of the [[Gaza war]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheridan |first1=Danielle |title=Royal Navy to send ships and aircraft to support Israel |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/12/royal-navy-ships-aircraft-support-israel-downing-street/ |date=12 October 2023}}</ref>
**Elements of the RAF A4 Force
*RAF Akrotiri Volunteer Band

===Joint service units===
*Cyprus Operations Support Unit

===United States Air Force===
*[[9th Reconnaissance Wing]]
**[[9th Operations Group]] (Detachment 1) – [[Lockheed U-2|Lockheed U-2S]]

== Heritage ==

=== Station badge and motto ===
RAF Akrotiri's [[Heraldic badges of the Royal Air Force|badge]], awarded in August 1957, features a [[flamingo]] standing in a representation of water. The station is adjacent to [[Limassol Salt Lake]] which is a breeding ground for migrating flamingoes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Akrotiri |url=https://www.rafht.co.uk/index.php/2016/06/17/akrotiri/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=RAF Heraldry Trust |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The station's [[motto]] is {{Language with name/for|la|Acra semper acria|The Peninsula is Always Eager}}.<ref name=":0" />

=== Preserved aircraft ===
RAF Akrotiri's [[gate guardian]] is an English Electric Lighting F.6 ([[Aircraft registration|serial]] ''XS929'') wearing [[No. 56 Squadron RAF|No. 56 Squadron]] markings. Two helicopters are also preserved at the station, a Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 (''XD184'') and Westland Wessex HC.2 (''XR504''), both in No. 84 Squadron markings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus |url=https://www.demobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=1016 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Demobbed - Out of Service British Military Aircraft}}</ref>

==Airlines and destinations==
{{Airport-dest-list
|[[AirTanker Services|AirTanker]]|'''Charter:''' [[RAF Brize Norton]]<br>'''Seasonal charter:''' [[Birmingham Airport|Birmingham]], [[East Midlands Airport|East Midlands]]
|[[West Atlantic UK]]|'''Charter:''' [[Bari Airport|Bari]], [[Ta'if Airport|Ta'if]], [[Warton Aerodrome|Warton]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/BAE102/history|title=BAE102 flight activity history|website=uk.FlightAware.com|publisher=Flight Aware|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation|Cyprus}}
*[[Richard Haine]]
*[[List of Royal Air Force stations]]
*[[United States Air Forces in Europe]]
*[[Dreamer's Bay]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{Cite book|last=Cotter|first=J.|date=2008|title=Royal Air Force celebrating 90 years|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], UK|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|isbn=978-0-946219-11-7}}
*{{Cite book|last=Lee|first=David|date=1989|title=Wings in the Sun: A history of the Royal Air Force in the Mediterranean 1945–1986|publisher=[[HMSO|HMSO Books]]}}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=P.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1989|year=1989|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=Fairford, UK}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}

{{Royal Air Force stations}}
{{USAF Air Forces in Europe}}
{{USAFE Mediterranean Bases}}
{{Airports in Cyprus}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Akrotiri}}
[[Category:1955 establishments in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Sovereign Base Areas]]
[[Category:Military of Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia]]
[[Category:Airports in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Akrotiri and Dhekelia|RAF]]
[[Category:Military airbases established in 1955]]