"The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there. We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies."
"It comes a day after the runway of the British air base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit by a drone - causing what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) described as 'minimal damage'."
"HMS Dragon - a Type 45 Destroyer - will be sent to the region following criticism from the Cypriot government about a lack of air defence as the Middle East war continues to spiral."
The UK government will deploy HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Destroyer, to the Mediterranean to enhance security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the deployment following criticism from Cyprus about insufficient air defence capabilities as Middle East tensions escalate. The decision comes after a drone struck RAF Akrotiri's runway, causing minimal damage. Starmer confirmed the UK is also sending helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities. The Royal Navy currently has no major warship in the Mediterranean region. HMS Dragon will depart Portsmouth on Tuesday night. The deployment aims to strengthen air defences at the base, which has already been targeted by Iranian drones, though the base already possesses some ground-based air defence and counter-drone systems.
#uk-military-deployment #cyprus-air-defence #raf-akrotiri #middle-east-security #royal-navy-operations
Read at www.bbc.com
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