The UK government has announced the deployment of the Royal Navy warship HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The move comes as the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies across the region.
HMS Dragon and counter-drone measures
HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Destroyer, will be accompanied by two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters equipped with Martlet missiles designed to counter drone attacks. Defence Secretary John Healey described the ship as “one of the most capable air defence warships in the world,” capable of launching eight missiles in under ten seconds.
The deployment follows a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri on Sunday evening, which caused “minimal damage,” according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). British forces have also intercepted drones over Iraq, Jordan, and Qatar in recent operations.
UK leadership emphasises Cyprus security
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer underlined the UK’s commitment to Cyprus and its personnel. He noted that the bases in Cyprus were initially not opened to US forces, a decision that drew criticism from former US President Donald Trump.
“The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there,” Starmer said. “We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”
International reinforcement in the Eastern Mediterranean
Other allies have responded to the escalating crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and a frigate equipped with air-defence systems to Cyprus. Greece has sent four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including one carrying the “Kentavros” anti-drone jamming system, which can detect and disable low-flying drones.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that “Greece is present, and will continue to be present to assist in any way in the defence of the Republic of Cyprus.”
RAF Akrotiri’s defensive posture
The MoD stated that RAF Akrotiri already has ground-based air defence and counter-drone systems. HMS Dragon’s arrival aims to strengthen these defences amid ongoing drone threats.
Recent operations marked the first time RAF F-35B jets have destroyed targets in combat, supported by Typhoon jets and Voyager tanker aircraft. British forces in Iraq and Qatar have also intercepted drones threatening coalition bases.
Source: BBC
Also read: Greek frigates arrive in Cyprus
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