UK Deploys HMS Dragon to Cyprus After Drone Attack on RAF Base
The United Kingdom has confirmed the deployment of the Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean, alongside helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities, to bolster the defence of British bases in Cyprus. The decision, confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comes in direct response to a drone attack, reportedly of Iranian origin, which struck the RAF Akrotiri base. Initial speculation, reported by multiple outlets, indicated that the advanced destroyer HMS Duncan might be dispatched to the region. However, the government ultimately selected its sister ship, HMS Dragon, a vessel equipped with advanced air defence systems capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. The deployment, which will take between five and seven days, is part of a coordinated effort with allies, including France, which is also moving air defence assets to Cyprus. The move underscores the UK's commitment to the security of its personnel and allies in the region amid escalating tensions following the conflict between Israel and Iran. Defence Secretary John Healey stated the government will 'always act in the interest of the UK and our allies,' framing the deployment as a defensive measure to protect the strategic RAF Akrotiri base from further threats.
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Sources
‘We’re continuing our defensive ... of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region. ‘We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.’ · Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. The announcement comes after the UK government was weighing up the option to dispatch the Type 45 missile destroyer HMS Duncan to the Middle ...
The UK is considering sending a warship to the Middle East, while France reportedly plans to move air defence systems to Cyprus after a British base on the island was hit by a drone. HMS Duncan is understood to be the Type 45 destroyer deployed to the region, having just completed a recent ...
Earlier on Tuesday, it had been speculated that HMS Duncan might be deployed to the area, but Sir Keir confirmed on X that HMS Dragon would be sent. "The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there," he said.
Iran war: Starmer considering sending Navy destroyer HMS Duncan to Middle East | The Independent
HMS Duncan is one of the world's most advanced warships and is based at Portsmouth Naval Base. The vessel made headlines recently when it tracked the Russian navy vessel Vice Admiral Kulakov through the English Channel. The development comes after an Iranian-made drone struck an RAF base in Cyprus, ...
Dubai explosion as US consulate on fire after Iran drone attack and UAE blast - World News - Mirror Online
Rather than sending HMS Duncan, the MoD is reportedly considering it sister ship, another Destroyer class vessel, HMS Dragon, to Cyprus to help defend the RAF base there from attacks.
UK, France send warships, air defence assets to Cyprus after drone attack | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
The HMS Dragon is one of the UK Royal Navy's six Type-45 air defence destroyers [File: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images] ... The United Kingdom is deploying a warship and helicopters to Cyprus, the British government has said, as global concern continues to mount over the fallout from deadly US-Israel ...
UK considering sending warship to Cyprus; government to charter flight from Oman ‘in the coming days’– as it happened | Keir Starmer | The Guardian
Multiple sources say the deployment of HMS Duncan is under consideration; Yvette Cooper says flight will take off from Muscat this week
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