Operation Luminous: Inside the RAF's Perseverance Against Iranian Drone Threats

Tue Mar 31 2026 01:57:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Explore the dynamics of defensive missions conducted by the RAF Voyager against Iranian drones from Cyprus, showcasing the challenges and developments in aerial combat amid ongoing conflicts.

The article details the operations of the RAF Voyager as it supports Typhoon and F-35 jets in their defense against Iranian drones over Cyprus. It describes the challenges faced by fighter pilots in real-time missions, the intricate refueling processes, and the broader geopolitical implications surrounding the conflict. The report provides insights into the equipment, strategies, and recent events influencing air operations in the region.

The loud screech of a Typhoon and F-35 jet rips through the night sky above RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. It's followed by the heavier rumble of the larger refueling aircraft that will join its mission - hunting down Iranian drones.

The RAF Voyager is the giant petrol station in the sky for the Typhoon and F-35 jets which have been patrolling the skies over Cyprus and Jordan for the past month.

The BBC is among the first news outlets to witness these defensive missions in the air being conducted day and night, ever since the US and Israel began their bombing campaign against Iran.

From the cockpit of the Voyager, we watched the shimmering lights of Cyprus fade into the distance. We were getting closer to the coast of Israel and Lebanon.

From that direction, we see a brief flash of orange light. One of the crew points to it and tells me: 'Quite often you can see either incoming missiles from Iran or the Israeli response.'

'It might be the Iron Dome from Israel,' the pilot interjects over the intercom, referring to the country's air defense system.

'We don't know for sure,' he adds, 'but there's a lot of kinetic things happening in that area at the moment.'

Evidence, then, that even after a month of heavy bombing Iran still poses a threat and is still firing missiles and drones.

During this nine-hour mission, the Typhoon and F-35 jet refuel seven times - taking on a total of 30 tonnes of aviation fuel.

For the fighter pilots, it's routine. It's the hunting down of Iranian drones which poses more of a challenge.

Over the past month, British jets operating out of Cyprus and Qatar have shot down several. They won't say exactly how many times they've fired their sophisticated advanced short range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM) to take down a drone, but it's in the single figures. It's an expensive golden bullet to bring down a relatively cheap fiberglass drone.

On the ground, Squadron Leader 'Bally', an RAF F-35 pilot, explains the complexity of the mission. 'Operating on a fast jet is already a dangerous business', he says, 'let alone when trying to target something close to the surface.'

With the drones flying low and slow, he says that 'there's a risk of flying into the ground'.

Despite criticism, government ministers have repeatedly said they made sufficient preparations - moving in additional jets, air defense systems, and personnel to Cyprus weeks before the conflict started.

Maj Gen Tom Bewick, Commander of British Forces Cyprus, insists there'd been 'prudent planning' before the war - including additional ground-based air defenses and radar.

Since the conflict began, the air defenses at RAF Akrotiri have been strengthened, ensuring better readiness against potential threats, particularly given the aggressive stance from Iran.