Overview
- British military investigators report the Shahed that struck RAF Akrotiri contained a Russian‑origin Kometa‑B navigation system built to resist jamming.
- Recovered fragments from the drone have been sent to a UK laboratory for detailed examination after the attack launched from Lebanon by an Iranian‑aligned group.
- Russia’s ambassador to the UK said Moscow is “not neutral” and supportive of Iran, while saying Iran had not requested Russian assistance with strikes.
- UK Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton said he has no doubt Russia is sharing intelligence with Tehran, whereas President Donald Trump said he has no indication Russia is assisting Iran.
- Britain has bolstered defenses around Akrotiri with Wildcat helicopters and is preparing HMS Dragon, as reports describe the Kometa‑B discovery as a first reported use of Russian military technology in this conflict and note the system was previously seen in drones over Ukraine.