Britain will deploy HMS Dragon and helicopters with anti-drone capability in Cyprus, Sir Keir Stormer has confirmed.
The Prime Minister said on social media that he spoke to the President Cyprus Regarding the deployment of the Type 45 destroyer, it is the only one capable of shooting down Royal Navy ballistic missiles.
This confirms our earlier report Security and defense editor Deborah Haynes The UK was considering deploying a Type 45 air defense destroyer to Cyprus to protect RAF bases.
HMS Dragon, currently in Portsmouth, is not expected to depart on Tuesday.
But the ship, which should take five to seven days to reach the region, will leave soon.
Iran latest: UK confirms sending warship to Cyprus
In a post on X, Sir Keir said: “The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel stationed there.
“I have spoken to the President of Cyprus to inform him that we are continuing our defensive operations and that we are sending helicopters with drone capability and HMS Dragon will be deployed to the area.
“We will always act in the interests of the UK and our allies.”
HMS Dragon takes five to seven days to reach the area. Image: PA/Royal Navy
That will come later Cyprus’s RAF Akrotiri was hit by a droneIt caused minimal damage and no casualties.
Sir Kiir on Sunday gave permission for the US to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Iran’s missile attacks, a day after launching joint American-Israeli action against Tehran at the weekend.
The UK has 45 air defense destroyers of six types, but not all are thought to be available for active service.
Haynes said: “This Type 45 destroyer is fitted with the latest counter-ballistic missile defences, meaning it will bring additional protection to British forces in the region, not just in Cyprus but certainly across the Gulf and the UK’s allies.”
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The Royal Navy is conducting a previous drill using HMS Dragon. Image: PA/Royal Navy
He said: “The Prime Minister has already said how allies in the region are turning to the UK for more help to defend their skies as they retaliate for US and Israeli operations against that country by launching barrages of missiles and drones in the region.”
“There are questions about why this is only happening now. It would take a few days for that warship to make its way to Cyprus or the waters around Cyprus.
“And given the fact, the US ability to launch an operation against Iran was clear and British forces in the region were at greater risk for the consequences.”
Thousands of Britons are stranded in the Middle EastHundreds of flights were canceled and unable to go home.
Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday RAF F-35B jets shot down the drones Over Jordan – First RAF F-35 destroys operational target.
