UK Deploys Warship Near Cyprus as It Boosts Eastern Mediterranean Presence
In a statement to MPs on Monday, John Healey said the vessel will participate in efforts to bolster the island’s defense alongside allied forces already stationed in the region. He highlighted that Royal Air Force and Navy pilots have accumulated nearly 900 flying hours defending not only Cyprus but also Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. “We have more jets in the region than at any time in the last 15 years," Healey added.
An additional 500 air defense personnel are now deployed on the island. As more military resources are committed to the eastern Mediterranean, the UK is coordinating closely with the Greek Cypriot Administration and allied nations, including the US, France, and Greece, to reinforce regional security.
The HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system, capable of detecting and intercepting airborne threats. It will operate alongside Wildcat helicopters from the Royal Navy’s 815 Naval Air Squadron, which are armed with Martlet missiles designed to target drones.
British aircraft have already taken part in defensive operations, with Royal Air Force Typhoon and F-35 jets intercepting multiple drones over Jordan and near coalition forces in Iraq.
Tensions in the region have intensified since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,340 deaths, including that of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel, as well as on Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military forces, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
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