After being rapidly prepared and loaded at RNAS Yeovilton, two Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron were transported to Cyprus aboard an RAF C-17 and arrived at RAF Akrotiri today. The aircraft, armed with Martlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles, are being deployed to support British Forces in Cyprus and strengthen local air defences as tensions across the region continue to rise.
C-17 Globemasters are routinely used to transport RN Wildcats – and have delivered them back and forth from Norway in recent years to support the annual exercise Clockwork. In order to fit in the hold, the rotor blades, weapon wing and horizontal stabilising tailplane have to be removed. Aircrew, engineers, spares and munitions for the helicopters were also transported from Yeovilton to Cyprus in an RAF A400M.
The Wildcats add another layer to the defensive network. Akritori-based Typhoon and F-35B jets have already been conducting air defence missions aimed at intercepting drone threats and protecting British interests and regional allies.
Wilcat ZZ531 in the Mediterranean sunshine after being unloaded – still carrying “HMS Prince of Wales” markings.
Full operating capability for the Wildcat–Martlet combination was declared in October 2025. The missile has been successfully tested against airborne targets by day and night and offers a useful counter to subsonic drones when the helicopter can be cued onto a target in time. Shoulder-launched Martlet missiles have already demonstrated their effectiveness in Ukraine, where they have destroyed multiple Russian drones.
HMS Dragon is unlikely to reach the Eastern Mediterranean until the end of next week at the earliest. The Type 45 destroyer is the only UK system capable of defending against medium-range ballistic missile threats. US Navy destroyers operating nearby can also intercept ballistic threats, although their primary task is protecting Israeli airspace.
Up to 20 Martlet missiles can be carried on the weapon wing, as seen during trials, but operational Wildcats are currently only cleared for 10.
Some might be mildly amused to observe that the Royal Navy is sending aircraft to defend the RAF.