UK destroyer finally arrives near Cyprus almost three weeks after deployment announced
Warship HMS Dragon has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean almost three weeks after it was first announced it would be deployed, the Defense Minister said.
The Type 45 air defense destroyer, which left Portsmouth earlier this month, will begin “operational integration into the defense of Cyprus” later on Monday, John Healey told MPs.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the destroyer would sail from the UK to the Mediterranean earlier this month after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone.
Making statements about the Iran war and the Middle East, Healey also said that “all British personnel have been fully accounted for so far” in the region.
He told the House of Commons: “RAF and Navy pilots have now spent nearly 900 flying hours defending Cyprus, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
“We have more jets in the region than we have in the last 15 years.
“Cyprus has an additional 500 air defense personnel and we are working closely with the Republic of Cyprus to coordinate the contribution of allies, including the United States, France and Greece, to strengthening the security of Cyprus as more military capabilities are allocated to the Eastern Mediterranean.
“And I can confirm that HMS Dragon has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean and commenced operational integration into the defense of Cyprus with allies tonight.”
Conservative shadow defense secretary James Cartlidge accused the Government of “extraordinary double standards”, claiming the UK “relyed on the US to defend us while denying it the use of our bases”.
He also asked whether the Defense Secretary regretted not sending HMS Dragon “much, much sooner” and when the defense investment plan (Dip) would be published.
Mr Healey responded: “We have been outspoken and open about the threat posed by Iran.”
He declined to say when the completed Dip would be released.
Sir Keir told the House of Commons Liaison Committee earlier on Monday that the Government had “finalised” the document.
Mr Healey also told MPs that “two Iranian missiles were launched” in the direction of Diego Garcia, the Indian Ocean island where Britain operates a joint military base with the US.
“One fell short of its target, the other fell short of its target,” he added.
“Neither of them could get close to Diego Garcia.
“There was no need for UK action and normal operations continue.
“I absolutely condemn Iran’s reckless attacks.
Iran must stop and reduce tensions.
“We want to see this war end now.”
HMS Dragon has a crew of around 200.
It is one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers.
