Overview
- Defence Secretary John Healey said Monday the Type 45 destroyer had arrived and would start integrating into Cyprus’s defence that night.
- The mission follows a March 2 strike on RAF Akrotiri by a Shahed‑type drone that caused slight damage to the UK base.
- HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on March 10 after a maintenance period that officials say was cut from six weeks to six days to speed the sailing.
- The UK has ramped up protection with nearly 900 RAF and Navy flying hours, 500 extra air‑defence personnel in Cyprus, and the ship’s Sea Viper missiles to counter drones and ballistic threats.
- Allied frigates from France, Greece, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands were already guarding Cypriot waters, a contrast that drew opposition criticism of the UK’s slower naval arrival, while Healey also reported two Iranian missiles aimed toward Diego Garcia were stopped short.