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What HMS Dragon can do - and why it took so long to leave UK

HMS Dragon's rapid deployment was completed in six days to protect RAF Akrotiri from Iranian-launched drones and ballistic missiles, enhancing regional air-defence capabilities.

  • HMS Dragon, Type 45 destroyer, has set sail for Cyprus to help safeguard RAF Akrotiri, British military base in Cyprus, following a drone strike on 2 March and later interceptions.
  • Past Type 45 operations in the region help explain the deployment, with HMS Dragon traveling via the English Channel, around Spain and through the Strait of Gibraltar amid US, Israel and Iran tensions.
  • The destroyer carries SAMPSON radar and the Sea Viper missile system, measures just over 152 metres and weighs 8,000-8,500 tonnes; Professor Michael Clarke said, 'It was doing exactly the job for which it was designed.'
  • After HMS Dragon departed Portsmouth on Tuesday, officials said the work was completed in six days, with Commander Iain Giffin stating, 'We are trained for this, we are ready for this.'
  • Last week reports said a new MoD contract with Serco moved away from round-the-clock staffing to a 9-5 model, blamed for slower preparations, with the Royal Navy offering the option on 3 March.
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  • 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
34% Left

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The Independent broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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