British Destroyer HMS Dragon Arrives in Cyprus

The British destroyer HMS Dragon arrived in Cyprus on Monday, 21 days after departing from Portsmouth, southern England, on March 10. The ship's mission is to strengthen the air defenses of British bases on the island.

British Defence Secretary John Healey told the British Parliament that HMS Dragon had arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean and is beginning operational integration into Cyprus's defense alongside allies.

The Defence Secretary also stated that UK personnel are safe in the region and that RAF and Navy pilots have completed nearly 900 flight hours defending Cyprus, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, there are 500 additional air defense personnel in Cyprus.

HMS Dragon is considered one of the most advanced anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense ships in Europe, with the main mission of protecting against aerial threats. It features the Sea Viper anti-aircraft system, SAMPSON radar, a 114mm gun, and the ability to carry a helicopter.

It has been repeatedly deployed in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Persian Gulf, participating in British and NATO operations.

Source: CNA