RAF Akrotiri: Operation Shader and Cyprus-based air component
RAF combat aircraft fly from Cyprus under Operation Shader, the UK contribution to the campaign against Daesh. Janes reported in March 2026 that about 10 Typhoon FGR4s were at the base. It also listed Voyager tankers and MQ-9B Protector RG1 drones there. Six F-35B jets from RAF Marham joined the Typhoons in February 2026. A Commons Library briefing of 3 August 2026 still lists Shader as a major current UK operation in the region.
- Where
- Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri
- When
- since 9 Aug 2014
- Units
- Typhoon FGR4, F-35B, Voyager, Atlas and Protector RG1 aircraft; RAF Regiment
- With
- Global Coalition Against Daesh
- Last checked
- 4 Nov 2026
Sources
- Iran conflict 2026: UAV strikes RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus Janes, 2 Mar 2026
- RAF Akrotiri: The base in Cyprus supporting vital operations in the Middle East Forces News
- UK forces in the Middle East region House of Commons Library, 3 Aug 2026
