HMS Dragon, a British Type 45 destroyer, has docked in the eastern Mediterranean for maintenance just weeks after departing Portsmouth. The vessel was deployed to protect UK air bases in Cyprus following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri.
The ship encountered a minor technical issue with its water systems, leading to a routine stop. Despite delays in deployment-taking over three weeks to reach the region-officials emphasized the vessel remains fully operational.
Defense Secretary John Healey noted that the crew completed preparations in six days-significantly faster than the usual six weeks.
The UK’s military response comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Iran launching drones and missiles targeting allied assets.
Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe cited a 30-year defense spending decline as a contributing factor to the delay.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK's role, calling Royal Navy vessels 'too old' and 'broken-down'.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the ship is performing routine logistics and maintenance while remaining ready for immediate deployment.