UK's HMS Dragon to begin defending Cyprus against Iran tonight after arrival in east Mediterranean

The HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and is set to begin operations supporting Cyprus, UK Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed.The deployment comes three weeks after an Iranian drone struck RAF Akrotiri, raising concerns about regional security and the UKs preparedness. Addressing MPs, Healey said: I can confirm that HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, and tonight begins operational integration into Cypruss defence alongside allies.The warship departed Portsmouth on March 10 following a rapid six-day refit, significantly faster than the usual six-week process, as tensions in the Middle East escalated. During its transit, allied naval forces from France, Greece and Italy helped provide protection for Cyprus, amid criticism that the UK had initially been slow to respond.Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected claims that the island had been left exposed, highlighting existing military capabilities. Weve got a lot of defensive capability in Cyprus, including the air capability there, he said.He added: Ive been constantly talking to the Cypriots about this our two military teams are working as closely as they have ever worked now, and we are absolutely determined to do everything we need to do to defend Cyprus.Downing Street confirmed Starmer also spoke with Nikos Christodoulides, reiterating that RAF Akrotiri would not be used as part of broader UK arrangements allowing the US to operate from British bases for regional defence.The post UK's HMS Dragon to begin defending Cyprus against Iran tonight after arrival in east Mediterranean appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.