A British warship dispatched after a drone strike on a British base in Cyprus has yet to reach the region, prompting criticism at home and abroad. HMS Dragon was seen docked in Gibraltar this week and is not expected to arrive near Cyprus until at least three weeks after the March 2 attack on the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri.

Politicians, former naval commanders and international figures have accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of failing to prepare adequately for rising tensions with Iran. Critics argue the vessel should have been deployed earlier or sailed immediately after the strike, especially as other European nations quickly sent ships to the eastern Mediterranean.

The delay has fueled frustration in Cyprus, where some officials and residents say Britain appears slow to defend its own overseas territory. The United Kingdom maintains sovereign base areas on the island, long arguing that their presence enhances regional security. However, the recent attack and response have led some Cypriots to question whether the bases instead expose them to greater risk.

Opposition figures in Britain have also condemned the government, saying national defense cannot rely on allies. The Ministry of Defence said HMS Dragon, equipped with advanced missile systems, forms part of a broader effort to safeguard British assets and interests in the Middle East.