HMS Dragon Arrives in Mediterranean, Boosts Cyprus Defenses

0:00On March 23, British warship HMS Dragon has sailed into the Eastern Mediterranean three weeks after an Iranian drone struck the RAF Acquatery Base Inn, Cyprus. Defense Secretary John Healey told lawmakers the Type 45 destroyer will start integrating into the island's defenses from Monday night. The ship wrapped up a rushed refit in Portsmouth, going from dry dock to sea ready in just six days, thanks to crews pulling 22 hour shifts. This move follows quick deployments by Greece and France to back Cyprus after the attack. Critics in the UK and Cyprus have slammed the delay, with some calling for a full review of the British base's role on the island. Opposition leaders argue the government should have seen coming, the fallout from US and Israeli clashes with Iran. Healey also confirmed Iran tried launching two strikes on the joint UK US base at Diego Garcia over the weekend. To bolster security, 500 extra air defense troops are now in Cyprus. RAF and Navy pilots have logged nearly 900 flying hours across.

1:03The region and more jets are there than in the past 15 years. HMS Dragon packed sea-buyper missiles to not-down drones and threats, while the Prime Minister has okayed UK bases for US defensive hits on Iranian. Missile sites. With Iran mining the straight-of-horn moves and targeting ships, Britain is sending planners to US Central Command to clear the vital energy route and ensure safe global shipping.