Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accused the current government of failing to act decisively in the face of recent threats to Cyprus, a country he claims is targeted only because of its British sovereign bases. In a column published in The Times, Sunak criticized the government for not deploying naval assets to the Mediterranean to protect British interests and allies in the region.

Strategic Criticism and French Involvement

Sunak’s comments come amid heightened tensions following a drone attack on the British Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus last Monday. The drone, reportedly of Iranian origin, struck the base, prompting a swift military response from both Greece and France.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Cyprus on Monday, accompanied by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The French frigate Languedoc arrived in Cypriot waters on Wednesday as part of a broader effort to bolster regional security. Earlier this week, Macron announced that the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle would be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, with reports indicating the carrier and its strike group passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday.

Greece has also increased its military presence in the region, sending four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the Kimon, which Mitsotakis described as the “pride of the Greek fleet.” This move highlights the growing concern over regional security and the potential for further escalation.

UK’s Military Reinforcements

In response to the attack, the UK has taken steps to bolster its defense of its bases in Cyprus. Two AW159 Wildcat helicopters, armed with anti-drone missiles, have been deployed to the island. Additionally, the HMS Dragon Type 45 destroyer is expected to depart from Portsmouth in the coming days to reinforce the region.

According to recent reports from the BBC, the UK is also considering sending an aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, to the region. Defence sources indicated that the carrier’s crew has been notified that the ship is set to depart from Portsmouth in five days, signaling a significant escalation in the UK’s military commitment to the area.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has also made a visit to Cyprus, meeting with Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas. Healey confirmed that “top experts” have been dispatched to the island to assist in coordinating air defenses, highlighting the UK’s efforts to strengthen its military presence and protect its interests in the region.

Regional Implications and Future Moves

The situation in Cyprus has broader implications for regional stability and international relations. The presence of British bases on the island has long been a point of contention, with some arguing that they contribute to regional tensions. Sunak’s criticism of the current government’s handling of the situation highlights a growing debate over the UK’s strategic priorities in the Mediterranean.

Analysts suggest that the UK’s decision to potentially deploy an aircraft carrier to Cyprus could signal a shift in its military strategy in the region. The move may also influence the dynamics between the UK, France, and Greece, as all three nations seek to assert their influence in the eastern Mediterranean.

With the French and Greek military presence in the region continuing to grow, the UK’s response will be closely watched. The deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales, if it proceeds, could mark a significant step in the UK’s efforts to protect its interests in Cyprus and the broader Mediterranean region.

As the situation evolves, the actions of the UK government will have lasting implications for regional security and the future of British military operations in the area. With the potential for further escalation, the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the course of events in Cyprus.