Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has docked in the eastern Mediterranean for a short maintenance stop after experiencing technical problems with its onboard water systems, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Tuesday.
The warship was deployed on 10 March from Portsmouth to reinforce security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, following a drone attack on the base on 1 March. Defence Secretary John Healey noted that the crew completed in six days work that would normally take six weeks to prepare the vessel for deployment.
The MoD stated that the water system malfunction has not affected the ship's operational capability, and all crew have had access to water and catering. The stop will allow the ship to take on provisions, optimise systems, and conduct maintenance, while remaining at a very high level of readiness to sail at short notice if required.
An MoD spokesperson said: '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. HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.'
The deployment came after the British government faced criticism for the slow response to the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, with Greece and France having already sent additional naval support to Cyprus. The Cypriot government also expressed concern over the incident, suggesting a review of the British base's presence on the island.
HMS Dragon is equipped with a Sea Viper missile system for intercepting drones and missiles, and is part of a broader UK defensive presence in the region, including Typhoon and F-35 jets, helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.
