Britain has sent six RAF Typhoon jets to its Akrotiri base in Cyprus in a move to protect British interests as tensions grow over Syria, the Ministry of Defence says.
The jets deployed will not take part in any direct military action, the ministry said on Thursday, as the British parliament prepares to debate a government motion on a possible response to the chemical attack near Damascus last week.
"This is purely a prudent and precautionary measure to ensure the protection of UK interests and the defence of our sovereign base areas at a time of heightened tension in the wider region," the ministry said.
"They are not deploying to take part in any military action against Syria."
British MPs will have to return for a second vote on another day after the opposition blocked Prime Minister David Cameron's plans to hold a definitive vote on Thursday, reportedly sparking fury among government ranks.
