Akrotiri: Is the RAF Base Adequately Defended? Greg Bagwell's Analysis

Following the recent strike on the RAF Akrotiri airbase, the adequacy of the base's defenses is under scrutiny. Greg Bagwell, former senior commander of the Royal Air Force, has analyzed the situation, raising questions about the base's readiness.

Bagwell, now chairman of the UK Air & Space Power Association, published an analysis on X, highlighting Akrotiri's critical role in the Eastern Mediterranean as a logistics and operations hub. Rising tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have increased alert levels in the region.

Prior to hostilities, Britain had reinforced the base with Eurofighter Typhoon, F‑35B Lightning II, and the Sky Sabre air defense system. Following the attack, European countries mobilized, with Britain deploying the destroyer HMS Dragon (D35), Crowsnest AEW system early warning helicopters, and helicopters equipped with Martlet missile.

Bagwell questions whether the reinforcements are a military necessity or a political reaction, emphasizing the need for stronger ground-based defense solutions against missiles and drones in the event of escalation.