UK considers sending Royal Navy destroyer to Cyprus

"HMS Duncan is specialised in counter-drone operations and last month was engaged on a test exercise off the coast of Wales facing swarms of drones, before hosting a family day on Friday. It is not clear how ready it is to set sail. It would take around five to seven days for the vessel to reach Cyprus from Portsmouth as it travels at around 30 knots (34.5mph)."

"John Foreman, a former UK defence attache to Moscow, said it was a surprise that the UK had taken so long to deploy a warship to protect Cyprus and UK bases there, given the highly visible US military buildup ahead of its joint attack on Iran on Saturday. That the UK is now considering' sending a destroyer to the eastern Mediterranean is a clear indication one should have been there already."

"France has already agreed to send a frigate and anti-drone systems to Cyprus, according to Cypriot government officials. A request has also been made for support from Germany, which is under consideration. This latest pondering appears driven more by news that the French are sending ships to the area."

Defence Secretary John Healey is evaluating the deployment of HMS Duncan from Portsmouth to Cyprus to defend RAF Akrotiri following hostile drone incidents. The destroyer specializes in counter-drone operations and would require five to seven days to reach Cyprus. Alternative destroyers may be considered instead. France has already committed to sending a frigate and anti-drone systems to Cyprus, while Germany is considering similar support. Former UK defence attaché John Foreman criticized the delayed response, describing it as a failure of planning, intelligence, and foresight, noting that Royal Navy warships should have been positioned in the region earlier given the escalating conflict and visible US military buildup.

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