Is there a RAF base in Cyprus?
RAF Akrotiri ( IATA: AKT, ICAO: LCRA) is a large Royal Air Force base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. 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 .
What was the RAF doing in Cyprus during the Suez Crisis?
The Suez Crisis saw a further increase in the strength of RAF forces in Cyprus. Akrotiri was mainly an airfield for fighter, photo reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft.
What is the exact location of RAF station Nicosia?
/ 35.150528°N 33.280333°E / 35.150528; 33.280333 Royal Air Force Station Nicosia or RAF Nicosia was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station on the island of Cyprus, built in the 1930s. The station served as Headquarters Royal Air Force Cyprus from 8 June to 29 July 1941.
Why does the US have a military base in Cyprus?
This is the same reason why the US has bases in countries all over the world. The reason why we have the Royal Air Force (RAF) airbase Akrotiri in Cyprus is because enables our fighter jets to deploy to the Middle-East/Levant region fairly easily and quickly.
Why does the UK have military bases in Cyprus?
The United Kingdom retains a military presence on the island in order to keep a strategic location at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, for use as a staging point for forces sent to locations in the Middle East and Asia.
Is the RAF still in Cyprus?
RAF Akrotiri (IATA: AKT, ICAO: LCRA) is a large Royal Air Force base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus....RAF AkrotiriIn use1955 – presentGarrison informationCurrent commanderGroup Captain Nikki ThomasOccupantsNo. 84 Squadron RAF No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing Cyprus Operations Support Unit19 more rows
Is there a British military base on Cyprus?
Overview. Dhekelia Station is situated within the Eastern Sovereign Base Area, one of 2 British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, enshrined in the Treaty of Establishment between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
Why is Cyprus important to the UK?
The island served Britain as a key military base protecting the Suez Canal and especially the sea route to British India, which was then Britain's most important overseas possession.
Do the RAF have a base in Cyprus?
THE STATION RAF Akrotiri is an extremely busy Permanent Joint Operating Base that supports ongoing operations in the region as well as support for the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus. It is used as a forward mounting base for overseas operations in the Middle East and for fast jet training.
What country owns Cyprus?
The island is shared by the Republic of Cyprus, Northern Cyprus (a country only recognized by Turkey), and the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The Republic of Cyprus has a population of 888,000 (2020), about 1.2 million people live on the island (including Northern Cyprus).
Are the Red Arrows training in Cyprus?
The British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (better known as the Red Arrows) have been training for months at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and have just earned their right to display across the country and Europe.
How many British are in Cyprus?
At the same time, there are between 25,000 and 30,000 Britons living in Cyprus. Also, more than 1.3 million British tourists visit the island every year, representing a third of the overall number of tourist arrivals to Cyprus.
Are the Red Arrows training in Cyprus?
The British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (better known as the Red Arrows) have been training for months at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and have just earned their right to display across the country and Europe.
How many RAF Typhoons are there in Cyprus?
eight TyphoonsTogether with eight Typhoons stationed in Cyprus, this uplift will bring the total number of RAF fighter jets stationed in South-Eastern Europe to 14. The two additional jets are expected to remain in Romania until the end of July.
What army units are in Cyprus?
The Army presence includes two resident infantry battalions and supporting arms such as the Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Military Police and others located in both SBAs.
Where is the RAF stationed?
List of sitesNameConstituent countryCountyRAF LeemingEnglandNorth YorkshireLeuchars StationScotlandFifeLittle Rissington AirfieldEnglandGloucestershireLondon Area Control CentreEnglandHampshire50 more rows
Why did the UK evacuate the RAF from Cyprus?
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.
Where is the RAF Akrotiri?
Source: UK MIL AIP. RAF Akrotiri ( IATA: AKT, ICAO: LCRA) is a large Royal Air Force base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. 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 .
Why was Akrotiri important?
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.
What was the role of RAF Akrotiri in the 2006 Lebanon War?
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 and Joint Task Force Lebanon ).
What aircraft did the Akrotiri RAF have?
Up until 1974 RAF Akrotiri had a balanced force of aircraft assigned to it, including No. 9 Squadron and 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.
Why was the Akrotiri station used?
Due to the station's relative proximity to the Middle East, it was used for casualty reception for Americans after the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. Between April 1983 and September 1984, RAF Boeing Chinooks helicopters deployed to Akrotiri in support of British United Nations Forces in Lebanon.
What was the Suez Crisis?
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, photo reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft.
Why are there still British military bases in Cyprus?
The continued division of Cyprus suits Britain’s geopolitical interests, as well as those of world powers that see the Mediterranean island as a useful pawn in a longstanding game of chess. Darren Loucaides reports from a country that wants to determine its own future.
What makes Cyprus bases unique?
What makes the Cyprus bases unique is that they are British sovereign territories located on the soil of another sovereign country. Arguably, the only other territory with a comparable status is the US base at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba.
Why was Cyprus important to Britain?
Cyprus was just too important for Britain to relinquish entirely, and the Suez Crisis of 1956 had left Cyprus as the most important military outpost in the region. As the Cold War intensified, the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri became the biggest British base of its kind, tasked with defending NATO’s southern flank.
Why did Boris Johnson visit Cyprus?
On 12 January, UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson flew to Geneva to attend talks between Greek- and Turkish-Cypriots aimed at resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek-inspired coup triggered a Turkish invasion and the subsequent separation of Cyprus’s two largest ethnic groups. As Johnson arrived, an agreement seemed within touching distance; officials spoke in terms of weeks, even days.
Why did the US not let Britain leave Cyprus?
Due to the Treaty of Establishment and of Guarantee , there was no way for Britain to hand over the bases to the US, so it agreed to stay.
How many Turkish troops are in Cyprus?
Up to 40,000 Turkish troops are thought to be in northern Cyprus, which only Turkey recognizes as a state. Turkish-Cypriots cite security concerns if the troops leave, and the talks stalled over the thorny issue. Advert.
When did Cyprus become a colony?
Cyprus became a British protectorate in 1912; by 1922, it was a crown colony. It gained independence in 1960, on the proviso that Britain maintained its military territories. Today, the two UK Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) occupy nearly three per cent of Cyprus.
Where is the RAF in Cyprus?
Royal Air Force Station Nicosia or RAF Nicosia was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station on the island of Cyprus, built in the 1930s. The station served as Headquarters Royal Air Force Cyprus from 8 June to 29 July 1941.
When did the RAF use Nicosia Airport?
Station history. Derelict control tower of Nicosia Airport. Source: Britain's Small Wars. No. 6 Squadron RAF first used the airfield on 3 October 1946 with the Supermarine Spitfire LF.9 before re-equipping with the Hawker Tempest F.6 in December of that year and moving to RAF Shallufa on 5 September 1947.
Where is the RAF Nicosia?
/ 35.150528°N 33.280333°E / 35.150528; 33.280333. Royal Air Force Station Nicosia or RAF Nicosia was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station on the island of Cyprus, built in the 1930s. The station served as Headquarters Royal Air Force Cyprus from 8 June to 29 July 1941.
Who controls Cyprus airport?
The 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus led to the cessation of commercial operations from the airport, although the site is still owned by the British Ministry of Defence, but is controlled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and used as a base by United Nations peace-keeping patrol helicopters .
What was the first airport in Cyprus?
The original principal airport for Cyprus, Nicosia International Airport, was built within the site of the RAF station. Both civil and military aviation on the island operated from the site, although the RAF disestablished the station in 1966.
What is the role of the Royal Air Force in Cyprus?
The Royal Air Force has an important Permanent Joint Operating Base in Akrotiri and plays a role of staging post for military aircraft and communication-related facilities. The RAF Akrotiri also provides support to British Force Cyprus and deploys forces in the region to protect Britain’s strategic interests.
What is the British Forces in Cyprus?
The British Forces Cyprus (BFC) is the name coined to the British Armed Forces stationed in the UK Sovereign Bases on the island. According to the Ministry of Defence, ‘the British Army in Cyprus works to a tri-service headquarters and is tasked with protecting the SBAs and associated retained sites’. The Army presence in the areas is based on two ...
What was Operation Luminous?
Finally, Operation Luminous was mainly executed by the RAF to protect Cyprus and the SBAs during the Syrian Chemical Weapons Crisis. ...
What was the significance of the withdrawal from East of Suez?
Within the context of the withdrawal from East of Suez, Britain desired to retain control over those areas , as this was an assurance for the use of British military bases on Cyprus. The relevance of the bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia to the UK is focused on the geographically strategic location of the island, at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, near the Suez Canal and the Middle East.
What is the army in Cyprus?
Furthermore, there are the Joint Service Signals Unit and the 62 Cyprus Support Squadron Royal Engineers.
When did Cyprus become a country?
It was not until 16 August 1960 that Cyprus obtained its independence and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In that year, within the treaty known as the London and Zurich Agreements that allowed its independence as a Republic, two Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia were to remain as British sovereign territory ...
When did Britain annex Cyprus?
After the outbreak of the First World War and the Ottoman decision to join the war on the side of the Central Powers, in November of 1914, Britain moved to annex the Island.
Where is the RAF Akrotiri?
RAF Akrotiri is situated on the Akrotiri Peninsular on the south coast of Cyprus, probably the most sought after posting in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
What sports are available at RAF Akrotiri?
RAF Akrotiri has a wide array of outdoor sports facilities including 4 football pitches, a rugby pitch, tennis and squash courts, a volleyball court and floodlit 5 a side football pitch. More information about the facilities can be obtained through the physical education flight.
What is SSAFA Forces Help?
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help is a charity established to look after the welfare of service and ex-service people and their families, whatever their problems. The charity is represented at Akrotiri by a network of volunteers and professionals (health visitor, social worker and midwife) and there is also a SSAFA Forces Help fundraising committee.
What is the fundraising committee at Akrotiri?
The fundraising committee is made up of both the SSAFA Forces Help professionals and also wives of station personnel. It raises money throughout the year for the benefit of the whole community at Akrotiri. Almost all the money raised stays at Akrotiri - the only exception being any money raised for the ‘Big Brew’ each September which is sent to central office in London. The committee has 2 sources of regular income, namely the loan store and craft workshop, but also runs numerous stalls at the RAF Akrotiri families day.
When was the RAF Akrotiri founded?
The history of RAF Akrotiri began on 1 July 1955 when the first 30 personnel posted to the unit established themselves in the flat, dry, rocky scrubland on the windswept Akrotiri Peninsula. Nicosia Airport was temporarily closed as a result of terrorist activity and the handling of the island’s civil aviation was diverted to Akrotiri - with a tented civil airport reception centre to match. An RAF Regiment light anti-aircraft wing was also brought in.
How many churches are there in Akrotiri?
There are 3 active churches at RAF Akrotiri, each with its own chaplain. The Roman Catholic Church of Christ the King is located on the beach road close to the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes. The RC Chaplain can be contacted on Ext 6180.
What banks are used in RAF Akrotiri?
There are two Cyprus banks used by service personnel on RAF Akrotiri, these are the Hellenic Bank and the Laiki Bank. Upon arrival in Cyprus you will have to set up a new bank account for your salary.
What is an AIFM in Cyprus?
A Cyprus AIFM, marketing units or shares of AIFs and RAIFs they manage in other EU Member States or third countries. An EU or third country AIFM marketing units or shares of AIFs and RAIFs they manage in Cyprus. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is the regulator for investment funds and investment fund managers in Cyprus.
What is the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission?
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is the regulator for investment funds and investment fund managers in Cyprus. CySEC is the supervising authority for AIFs, AIF Managers (and UCITS). Among other things, CySEC is responsible to apply the Laws, examine applications, issue directives and generally supervise the operation ...
What is AIF in investment?
Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) are collective investment undertakings, which raise capital (i.e. funds) from many investors. They do so, with a view to investing such capital (therefore, investment funds) in accordance with a strictly defined investment policy for the benefit of their investors.
Is Cyprus an investment fund jurisdiction?
Cyprus has had a very strong 2019 and its position as an investment funds jurisdiction, is reinforced one quarter at time – as the number testify every quarter.
Overview
RAF Akrotiri (IATA: AKT, ICAO: LCRA) is a large Royal Air Force base on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. 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 commander has a dual role and is also the officer commanding the …
History
RAF Akrotiri was first constructed in the mid-1950s to relieve pressure on the main RAF station on the island, RAF Nicosia.
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, photo reconnaissance and gr…
Controversy
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".
Based units
Units based at RAF Akrotiri.
No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) RAF
• No. 84 Squadron – Bell Griffin HAR2
No 83. Expeditionary Air Group RAF
• No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing
See also
• Richard Haine
• List of Royal Air Force stations
• United States Air Forces in Europe
• Dreamer's Bay
External links
• Official website
• UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication – Akrotiri (LCRA)