Military Bases in Cyprus
Everything military families need to settle into Cyprus.
Air Force Bases
RAF Akrotiri
Located in Limassol, Cyprus
RAF Akrotiri sits near Limassol, Cyprus and serves as a key Royal Air Force station supporting UK and allied operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The base is known for its strategic air operations, modern facilities, and a mix of on-base and off-base housing options.
Cyprus’s Strategic Air Hub
Welcome to Cyprus, where the British Royal Air Force Station Akrotiri stands as a vital military hub on the Mediterranean’s edge. Located in the Western Sovereign Base Area, this RAF base supports joint U.S. and UK operations, from airlift to intelligence. This guide to military bases in Cyprus explores its role, history, economic contributions, and community life, helping U.S. service members and families thrive during PCS or TDY assignments in this sun-soaked ally territory.
A Legacy of Air Power
RAF Akrotiri’s story began in 1955, built to ease pressure on RAF Nicosia during rising tensions. The 1956 Suez Crisis saw it host fighter squadrons, while the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus solidified its role as a British stronghold. By the 1980s, it supported U.S. operations, including casualty evacuations after the 1983 Beirut bombing. The base’s strategic spot near the Middle East made it a staging point for conflicts like the 1991 Gulf War, cementing its place in Western defense.
Lifting the Island Economy
RAF Akrotiri pumps millions into Cyprus’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs in Limassol and beyond. It hires local workers, boosts businesses, and drives construction, like the 2024 £66 million passenger facility contract. U.S. personnel access temporary housing, local schools, and a medical center. Community events, like 2025 beach festivals, connect families to Cyprus’s sunny charm. The base’s microgrid ensures reliable power, strengthening ties with nearby towns.
Prominent Base Facilities
RAF Akrotiri hosts critical operations for U.S. and UK forces. Here’s a look at its essential facilities:
Royal Air Force Station Akrotiri (Limassol): Supports air operations with Typhoon jets and U.S. reconnaissance, including 2024 Houthi strikes.
84 Squadron (Akrotiri): Flies Griffin helicopters for search-and-rescue and support missions.
Passenger Handling Facility (Akrotiri): Manages troop movements, with a new terminal set for 2026.
Joint Service Signals Unit (Akrotiri): Conducts signals intelligence for U.S.-UK operations.
Strategic Impact
RAF Akrotiri is a linchpin for U.S.-UK defense. It supports airlift, surveillance, and strikes, with 2024 missions targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The U.S. Air Force’s 1st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, based here, flies U-2 spy planes for regional intelligence. The base’s role in NORAD and NATO bolsters Western security, despite unconfirmed 2024 protest concerns. A planned 2026 passenger facility will enhance its capacity for joint operations.
Community and Culture
Akrotiri builds a welcoming community for U.S. personnel. Temporary lodging, local schools, and medical support keep families grounded. Events like airshows or beach club gatherings spark connection. Explore Limassol’s vibrant waterfront, hike the Troodos Mountains, or visit ancient Kourion. From Akrotiri’s flamingo-filled salt lake to Cyprus’s warm tavernas, the base blends duty with Mediterranean allure, making assignments unforgettable.