Cyprus 'critical' to global security, UK Deputy Commander says

Cyprus is set to become more important to "global security and our global posture", according to the Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command.

With more RAF Typhoons and F-35 fighter jets being made available to Europe in the Defence Secretary's latest announcement, British Forces Cyprus continues to prove why it is key for UK defence.

During a visit to the island, Lieutenant General Thomas Copinger-Symes told Forces News "Cyprus is absolutely essential".

• Earl and Countess of Wessex visit personnel on trip to Cyprus
• Watch: Prince of Wales band plays 'Let It Go' for Cyprus Royal visit
• HMS Enterprise joins search and rescue exercise off Cyprus

"Whether it's the sort of thing we did in support of Op Pitting, getting people out of Afghanistan last year, or indeed ongoing operations in the Middle East or… responding to Russia's illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine, Cyprus plays a critical role," he said.