Akrotiri & Dhekelia: 66 Years of the Sovereign Base Areas

This August marks sixty-six years since the Republic of Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom. The anniversary also marks the creation of the two Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which Britain retained under the Zurich–London Agreements to maintain a permanent military presence in a strategically important region. More than six decades later, the SBAs remain central to Britain's defence posture in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite continuing political controversy on the island.

Unlike most British Overseas Territories, the SBAs were created solely for military purposes rather than evolving from a former colony. Together they cover around 98 square miles — roughly 3% of the island's landmass — and both remain under British sovereignty under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment.

Although home to Cypriot communities and businesses, Britain committed to administering the territories only as far as necessary to meet military requirements. This unique constitutional arrangement reflects the strategic importance that has underpinned the SBAs since their creation, and recent events have reinforced why successive British governments have remained committed to the SBAs.

Their geographic location provides the UK with rapid access to the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. RAF Akrotiri supported operations during the 2011 intervention in Libya, has served as the launch pad for British strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, and has been used to help intercept Iranian drones and missiles directed towards Israel during the 2024 regional escalation.

British troops stationed within Akrotiri and Dhekelia have also supported humanitarian evacuations and, last summer, UK personnel worked alongside Cypriot firefighters to combat wildfires, demonstrating their value beyond military operations.

The bases also contribute to stability on the island. United Nations peacekeeping forces cooperate closely with the British authorities within and around the Sovereign Base Areas, while the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus patrols the buffer zone separating the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-controlled north. British forces work alongside UN personnel in support of regional security, demonstrating the UK's steadfast commitment to peace, stability and the safety of the local population.

However, the continued existence of the SBAs remains a contentious issue. Last year, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated his opposition to the British military presence in Cyprus, echoing the views of many Cypriots who regard the bases as a colonial hangover of British rule.

Protests erupted earlier this year in response to RAF Akrotiri being targeted by Iranian drones, with many locals arguing that the presence of the bases made surrounding communities a potential target rather than enhancing their security.

The most significant attempt to alter the status of the SBAs came in 2004 as part of the UN Annan Plan for the reunification of Cyprus. The proposal envisaged Britain withdrawing from approximately half of the SBA territory as part of a broader settlement. However, the plan was rejected in separate referendums, leaving the constitutional status of Akrotiri and Dhekelia unchanged.

Sixty-six years after their creation, the Sovereign Base Areas remain one of Britain's most strategically valuable overseas assets. While their legitimacy continues to be debated in Cyprus, their unique constitutional status and strategic location ensure that they remain integral to the United Kingdom's defence, regional security and ability to respond to crises across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Terms and conditions Privacy Policy Refund Policy Our Constitution

Friends of the British Overseas Territories, Registered Charity No 1156763

Friends of the British Overseas Territories is an independent and politically neutral charity. We do not support or endorse any political party or candidate. Only authorised spokespersons may make statements on behalf of the charity, via the charity’s official communications channels. All views otherwise expressed by members or officers should be considered their own.

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Registered in England and Wales Email: enquiries@fotbot.org

www.fotbot.org

You can write to us at: Friends of the British Overseas Territories, Po Box 2635, Ilford, IG1 8UA

Promoting, Supporting and Increasing Awareness of the UK Overseas Territories