British Warship Departs for Cyprus Next Week Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict
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UK Warship HMS Dragon Sails to Cyprus Next Week Amid Escalating Mideast War
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Moneycontrol•05-03-2026, 05:50
UK Warship HMS Dragon Sails to Cyprus Next Week Amid Escalating Mideast War
•HMS Dragon, a Type 45 defense destroyer, will depart for Cyprus next week to support Britain's "defensive operations" in the region.
•Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment, including two Wildcat helicopters with counter-drone capabilities, following drone attacks on UK allies and the Akrotiri base.
•The deployment was delayed as the destroyer required resupply of ammunition and weapon system changes, drawing criticism from opposition lawmakers for slow response.
•Starmer initially refused US use of UK air bases for strikes on Iran but later allowed limited use of two bases for defensive purposes, with US bombers expected soon.
•The drone attack on Akrotiri, which caused minor damage, was reportedly launched from Lebanon, likely by Hezbollah, not Iran.