Portsmouth, United Kingdom. The British warship HMS Dragon has sailed from Portsmouth and is heading towards Cyprus, the Royal Navy said on Tuesday. The navy said the move follows continued attacks by Iran targeting British interests in the region.
Deployment and mission
The Royal Navy said the decision to send naval assets came as the UK Armed Forces continue to adapt to changing threats. It said HMS Dragon will support the safeguarding of “UK assets and interests.”
The navy said the deployment builds on the UK’s increased defensive presence in the region in recent weeks.
Capabilities and equipment
HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system. The Royal Navy said the system is capable of launching eight missiles in less than 10 seconds, can direct up to 16 missiles to targets simultaneously, and can engage targets at up to four times the speed of sound.
The warship has a crew of around 200 sailors. The navy said Type 45 destroyers are the fleet’s first line of defence against aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles and drones, and are capable of protecting an area up to five times the size of Cyprus.
Recent measures on Cyprus
Following a drone attack on the British Akrotiri base on Cyprus, the UK deployed air defence systems, including radar, as well as F-35 stealth fighters, which the navy said were already conducting air defence sorties.
Fleet commander Steve Moorhouse said personnel responded in a short time to ensure HMS Dragon and the Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron were fully prepared for their mission.
Delay linked to cost-cutting
The arrival of the warship had been delayed because personnel responsible for preparing it were subject to cost-cutting measures by the British Ministry of Defence that prevented them from working at weekends.
What impact do you think the deployment of HMS Dragon will have on UK security operations in the region?
