The deployment of HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to defend a British military base in Cyprus from Iranian attacks has faced significant delays, prompting criticism of the Royal Navy's readiness. The government announced a week ago that the warship would be deployed, but it has only just left its dock in Portsmouth and is expected to take another five days or more to reach its destination.
Sources within the Ministry of Defence have described the efforts to make the destroyer seaworthy as 'herculean'. Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons on Monday that navy crews had been working 'tirelessly, 22 hours a day'. Those involved claim that a process normally taking six weeks has been nearly completed in six days.
The delay has led to claims that Britain's naval history has been shamed, though officials maintain that the rapid preparation is a testament to the dedication of the crew. The ship's journey to Cyprus is expected to take up to two weeks in total, raising questions about the UK's ability to respond swiftly to regional threats.
