HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and will begin integrating into the defence of Cyprus, more than three weeks after a drone strike hit a British airbase on the island. Defence Secretary John Healey told Members of Parliament that the Type 45 destroyer reached the المنطقة following criticism that Britain had no major warship present when the conflict with Iran escalated in late February.

The delay drew further scrutiny after a drone, believed to be launched by the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, struck facilities at the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri on 2 March, causing minor damage. European allies including France and Greece had deployed naval vessels to the المنطقة within days of Iran’s retaliatory actions, intensifying concerns over Britain’s readiness.

Mr Healey said British air and naval forces have logged nearly 900 flying hours defending Cyprus and partners across the Middle East, with additional air defence personnel deployed to the island. He also confirmed that two Iranian missiles were fired toward the joint United Kingdom and United States base on Diego Garcia but did not reach their target.

The Government condemned Iran’s actions and said it is working with allies to secure shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. British military planners have been deployed to United States Central Command, and efforts are under way to accelerate minehunting and drone technology to protect commercial vessels and regional stability.