The British destroyer HMS Dragon has arrived in Cyprus after sailing from Portsmouth on 10 March, taking nearly two weeks to reach the Eastern Mediterranean to reinforce air defence around the island.
The deployment of HMS Dragon in Cyprus comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follows the decision to strengthen the protection of British bases on the island. Including the time between the decision and the ship’s departure, the total response time reached about 21 days.
UK confirms operational integration
UK Defence Secretary John Healey told the British Parliament that the vessel has already entered the operational framework in the region.
“I can confirm that HMS Dragon has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean and tonight begins operational integration in the defence of Cyprus together with allies,” he said.
Speaking about the war in Iran and the wider Middle East, Healey added that all UK personnel in the region have been accounted for and are safe.
He also noted that RAF and Royal Navy pilots have completed nearly 900 flight hours defending Cyprus, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the minister, the UK currently has more aircraft in the region than at any point in the past 15 years, while around 500 additional air defence personnel are stationed in Cyprus.
He added that Britain is working closely with the Republic of Cyprus to coordinate allied contributions, including from the United States, France and Greece, to strengthen the island’s security.
Deployment follows drone strike at Akrotiri
The arrival of HMS Dragon in Cyprus comes three weeks after an Iranian drone struck the RAF base at Akrotiri, raising concerns about the vulnerability of military installations in the region.
The destroyer is considered one of Europe’s most advanced air-defence warships, designed to protect against threats such as fighter jets, drones and ballistic missiles.
Advanced air-defence capabilities
HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper air-defence system using Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, along with the advanced SAMPSON radar, allowing it to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
The ship also carries a 114mm naval gun, close-range defence systems, and a Wildcat helicopter used for surveillance and anti-submarine missions.
The vessel has repeatedly deployed to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf, taking part in both British and NATO operations, often escorting aircraft carriers.
Also read: HMS Dragon: Where is the destroyer en route to Cyprus?
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