HMS Dragon, the Royal Navy destroyer ordered to Cyprus to defend British forces, spent three days in the English Channel before leaving UK waters, according to reports. The £1 billion warship departed Portsmouth on Tuesday after a week-long delay for repairs, but only reached international waters yesterday.
The ship's responder, which broadcasts its position, was allegedly switched off after it set sail. Critics have questioned the response time, noting that during the Falklands War, the first surface ships sailed three days after Argentina's invasion. However, a source told the Mirror that it is not uncommon for ships to continue final maintenance while at sea.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered HMS Dragon to deploy after RAF Akrotiri, a British base on Cyprus, was hit by an Iranian drone on March 1. The Type 45 destroyer carries Britain's best air defence missiles and radars capable of tracking 1,000 objects from 250 miles away. All six Type 45s were reportedly in port when the drone struck, with only three classed as operational.
HMS Dragon had been in dry dock without weapons and with scaffolding on when the order came. Sailors worked day and night to load Sea Ceptor missiles and stores. An MoD spokesman said: 'For reasons of operational security we won't provide a running commentary on ship movements. HMS Dragon is continuing her transit to the Eastern Mediterranean, where she will play a vital role in safeguarding UK assets and interests.'
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West criticised the government, saying: 'There is no understanding in government of the importance of maritime power. There isn't a single warship between Singapore and Gibraltar.' The comments came as US President Donald Trump announced he is sending marines to the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns over rising oil prices.
