HMS Dragon remains at Portsmouth Naval Base despite being called into action days ago to help protect RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer has been preparing for deployment but has not yet left the naval base. The Ministry of Defence says the ship is currently being loaded with supplies and weapons ahead of its mission.
Around 200 crew members will be on board when the vessel eventually sets sail. HMS Dragon is one of the Royal Navy’s advanced air-defence destroyers and is capable of detecting and intercepting threats at long range, making it well suited to supporting operations in the region.
The deployment comes as the UK strengthens its defensive presence around RAF Akrotiri, the British airbase in Cyprus, which plays a key role in operations across the Middle East.
While preparations continue in Portsmouth, the delay means families of those serving on board are still waiting for confirmation of when the ship will depart.
For many loved ones back home, deployments like this can be an anxious time. Long periods away from home are a normal part of naval life, but they can still be challenging for families and partners left behind in the UK.
The Ministry of Defence has not yet confirmed an exact departure date for HMS Dragon, though the ship is expected to sail once final preparations are complete.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“We are reinforcing our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are deploying within days.
“They will reinforce our RAF Typhoons, F-35B jets, ground-based counter-drone teams, radar systems, and Voyager refuelling aircraft already deployed. Our jets are now flying continuous sorties to defend against indiscriminate Iranian strikes threatening UK people, interests, and bases.
“The Royal Navy are working as fast as possible to prepare HMS Dragon for deployment, including resupplying her air defence missiles at our ammunition facility in HMNB in Portsmouth.”
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