HMS Dragon to Deploy to Eastern Mediterranean

Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the destroyer HMS Dragon will set sail within the next two days for the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen air defenses.

The announcement was made in the House of Commons, where Healey presented the UK's operational response to the war in the Middle East. The British strategy is based on three principles: Defense, coordination with allies, and a clear legal basis for military decisions.

Since January, Typhoon and F-35 fighters, drone countermeasures teams, radar, and air defense systems have been deployed to the region. British fighters have already shot down drones over Jordan and en route to Bahrain, while anti-drone units have prevented attacks on Alliance bases in Iraq.

Special mention was made of Cyprus, where drone debris is being analyzed to identify foreign military equipment. There are approximately 4,000 British troops on the island, with an additional 400 deployed to strengthen air defenses.

The response in the region is being coordinated with NATO allies, including Greece, France, Germany, and the United States. Healey stressed that the government seeks de-escalation of the conflict while supporting Ukraine and upholding its NATO commitments.