The Royal Navy has released dramatic footage showing the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon executing sharp evasive manoeuvres during a training exercise off the coast of Cyprus on April 25. The warship simulated dodging incoming missiles as part of preparations for potential strikes in the region, amid heightened fears of Iranian attacks.
Training for Ballistic Missile Threats
Other scenes from the exercise depict crew members rapidly donning protective gear as they rehearsed drills for ballistic missile attacks. The Royal Navy stated that these 'high speed manoeuvres' are part of ongoing training to ensure HMS Dragon remains operationally ready. The ship is conducting a range of drills to maintain its preparedness for any contingency.
Air Defence Mission
HMS Dragon is operating as part of a mission to provide air defence to sovereign British territory, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The destroyer's primary role is to protect other ships by detecting and neutralising threats using the Sea Viper missile system. This system is capable of countering drones, aircraft, and missiles that could be launched by hostile actors such as Iran-backed groups or regional adversaries.
Deployment Amidst Regional Tensions
The deployment comes after a drone strike near RAF Akrotiri prompted France and other EU and NATO allies to send ships to help defend the island. HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on March 10, just a week after being ordered to prepare for deployment to the Mediterranean. Defence Secretary John Healey praised the Royal Navy's 'remarkable effort', noting that what normally takes six weeks of work was completed in just six days.
Hundreds of well-wishers lined the seawall as the warship departed Portsmouth, with crew members standing on deck as it left harbour. The ship is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system and supported by Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron, armed with Martlet missiles.
Regional Naval Presence
A French aircraft carrier and other European naval vessels are also positioned around Cyprus. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus, stating that the island could 'count on France', a remark seen as a swipe at Britain's response. He said, 'Your presence demonstrates the power of France.'
The Royal Navy commented: 'The decision to send the Royal Navy assets came as Iran's attacks continue to target British interests in the region and the UK Armed Forces continue to adapt to the changing threats.' HMS Dragon has begun its journey to the eastern Mediterranean to join the UK's defensive operations in the region.
Fleet Challenges
This deployment occurs as the Royal Navy faces challenges with its fleet size, now left with just five active frigates after HMS Iron Duke was withdrawn. Iron Duke is not expected to return to sea, having reportedly been stripped of weapons and sensors and not sailed since October 2025, less than three years after a £103 million refit.
Around 200 sailors make up the crew of HMS Dragon, which is believed to be capable of protecting an area approximately five times the size of Cyprus.
