HMS Dragon, deployed to protect British air bases in Cyprus, has docked for maintenance – less than a month after leaving Portsmouth.
The Type 45 destroyer is capable of shooting down the types of drones and ballistic missiles being launched by Iran.
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However, the vessel has a “minor technical issue” with its water systems, and the ship has docked in the eastern Mediterranean for what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has described as a “routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period”.
The MoD added in a statement: “HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.”
HMS Dragon docked in Portsmouth ahead of deployment. Pic: MoD
HMS Dragon is one of a number of British military assets in the region which are defending UK bases and allied nations from Iranian-made drones and other weapons.
Read more: HMS Dragon and its weapons
A Shahed-136 drone hit RAF Akrotiri – one of two major British bases in Cyprus – on 2 March, prompting the prime minister to deploy the ship.
But it took another week to leave Portsmouth, and then around another two weeks to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean.
It has raised concerns among some military analysts about the UK’s military preparedness and ability to respond to threats.
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Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe told Sky’s This Is Why podcast that one reason is down to a “30-year decline” in defence spending.
But at the time, Defence Secretary John Healey pointed out that the crew completed the necessary work to prepare for deployment in six days, compared with the usual six weeks.
HMS Dragon departing for Cyprus
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been critical of the UK’s decision to provide only defensive support.
He compared Royal Navy ships to “toys”, adding they are “too old” and “broken-down”.
Military sources said the technical issue has not affected the ship’s operation, and the crew have access to water for washing and catering as normal.
In an update about the ship, the MoD confirmed in a statement: “HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems, and conduct maintenance.”
