The United Kingdom will deploy the air defence destroyer HMS Dragon to Cyprus, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday, following a series of Iranian drone attacks targeting British military facilities on the island.
Starmer said the UK is strengthening air defences at its base in Cyprus by deploying helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities.
He added that HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, would be sent to the region as part of broader efforts to bolster security.
“The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there,” the prime minister said.
The move comes after multiple drone incidents in recent days involving RAF Akrotiri, the UK’s key military base on the Mediterranean island.
According to a Cypriot government spokesperson, one Iranian drone struck the base overnight on Sunday, causing what was described as “minimal damage.”
Two additional drones were intercepted on Monday before reaching their target.
RAF Akrotiri serves as a strategic hub for British operations in the Middle East.
The latest attacks have heightened concerns that the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and Western allies could spill further into the eastern Mediterranean.
The deployment of HMS Dragon signals London’s intention to reinforce its defensive posture in the region amid growing instability.
