The Merlin Mk2 helicopter, together with its aircrew and an engineering team from 820 Naval Air Squadron, departed Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose on Saturday. The aircraft reached RAF Akrotiri later the same day to begin its deployment.
Equipped with advanced radar and mission systems, the ASaC Merlin—known as Crowsnest—provides early warning against aerial threats. The helicopter can fly at altitudes of up to a mile and detect drones or missiles beyond the horizon.
The deployment is intended to add an additional layer of protection for British forces stationed in Cyprus. Its surveillance capabilities allow crews to identify potential threats earlier and coordinate defensive responses.
Captain James Hall, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said the deployment was activated rapidly in response to security requirements. “We have activated one of our ASaC aircraft to deploy immediately to provide an additional layer of defence for our forces at Akrotiri.”
He also noted that the Merlin Helicopter Force maintains aircraft at readiness to respond to emerging threats. “Our aircraft from Merlin Helicopter Force are held at readiness to respond at short notice to any threat to UK interests.”
Captain Hall highlighted that 820 Naval Air Squadron has prior operational experience performing similar missions. “820 Naval Air Squadron already has experience of providing force protection from similar threats, having deployed ASaC aircraft on active operations in the Red Sea last year during the transits of the carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Highmast.”
The deployment will complement other defensive assets being positioned in the region. These include Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron that arrived at RAF Akrotiri aboard an RAF C-17 transport aircraft on Friday.
Those aircraft have been deployed to reinforce air defence measures, particularly against potential drone threats. Their presence forms part of a broader effort to enhance protection for British personnel and facilities.
Additional naval forces are also scheduled to join the mission. The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean later this week.
HMS Dragon is among the most capable air defence warships in the world. The vessel is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system designed to counter aircraft and missile threats.
Captain Hall said the combination of air and maritime assets would provide a layered defensive posture. “This will also compliment the defensive measures provided by the Wildcat aircraft and HMS Dragon, when she arrives in the region next week, providing a layered capability for the protection of UK forces.”
