Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has arrived on station in the eastern Mediterranean ready to help defend Cyprus from Iranian drones and missiles.
During the journey from Portsmouth the warship has undergone two weeks conducting intensive training to ensure her 230-strong company is fully prepared for an operational deployment that could prove potentially intensive.
The ship will provide a welcome boost to the region’s air defences alongside other allied assets in the area. As per the RN, her Sea Viper system is capable of tracking hundreds of incoming targets at a time, can fire eight missiles in ten seconds, and can engage up to 16 targets simultaneously.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said: “HMS Dragon was rapidly brought to readiness and deployed from Portsmouth earlier this month and will now play her full part in defending Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
“Equipped with the cutting-edge Sea Viper system, she can tackle a wide range of threats. On her way to the region, her crew have undertaken essential training to ready themselves for this mission, and I have every confidence that they will rise to the task before them.
“In uncertain times, her presence is a visible demonstration of the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting our people and our interests, at home and overseas.”
Commander Iain Giffin, the warship’s Commanding Office, commented: “It has been a busy three weeks getting the ship fuelled, stored, ammunitioned, worked-up and deployed to the eastern Mediterranean.
“My team has been put through its paces conducting mission rehearsal training during our transit to Cyprus and they have stepped up to the challenge and delivered with their characteristic determination, professionalism and good humour.
“I am immensely proud of what Dragon has achieved and we are ready to do whatever our country calls us to do.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website