image sourced from original article at HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and will begin integrating into Cyprus's defence, more than three weeks after a drone strike hit the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri. The deployment follows criticism that Britain had no major warship in the المنطقة when conflict erupted between Iran, Israel and the United States in late February.
The base at Akrotiri sustained minor damage after a drone believed to have been launched by the Lebanese group Hezbollah struck in early March. The delay in sending the Type 45 destroyer drew further scrutiny as other European nations moved naval assets into the المنطقة more quickly.
Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons that British aircraft have flown nearly 900 hours defending Cyprus and other regional partners, with additional personnel deployed to strengthen air defences. He also confirmed that Iranian missiles were fired toward the joint British and United States base on Diego Garcia but did not reach their target, as Britain works with allies to safeguard shipping routes and reduce tensions.
