London, United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Dragon will be deployed to Cyprus after an Iranian-made drone hit a British base on the island. He said the UK will also send helicopters with counter-drone capabilities.
Deployment announcement
Starmer said on Tuesday evening that HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, would be deployed to the region following the incident on Monday.
Commitment to Cyprus security
“The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there,” Starmer wrote in a social media post. He said the UK was continuing defensive operations and that helicopters with counter-drone capabilities would be sent.
Call with Cypriot president
Starmer said he had spoken with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to inform him of the measures.
Government position
Starmer said his government “will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies”.
What impact do you think the deployment of HMS Dragon will have on security in the region?