HMS Dragon nears Cyprus less than two weeks after leaving Portsmouth
HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean three weeks after its deployment was first announced, the defence secretary has said.
John Healey told MPs the Type 45 air defence destroyer will begin “operational integration into Cyprus’s defence” later on Monday. The warship left Portsmouth on March 10, one week after prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the destroyer would leave the UK after RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone.
Making a statement about the Iran war and the Middle East, Mr Healey also said “all UK personnel so far are fully accounted for” in the region.
He told the Commons: “RAF and Navy pilots have now racked up nearly 900 flying hours in defence of Cyprus, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. We have more jets in the region than at any time in the last 15 years.
“There are an extra 500 air defence personnel in Cyprus, and as more military capabilities are committed to the eastern Mediterranean, we’re working closely with the Republic of Cyprus to co-ordinate the contribution of allies, including the US, France and Greece, to reinforce the security of Cyprus.
“And I can confirm that HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and tonight begins operational integration into Cyprus’s defence alongside allies.”
Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge accused the Government of “extraordinary double standards”, claiming the UK had been “relying on the US to defend us whilst denying them the use of our bases”.
He also asked if the Defence Secretary regrets not sending HMS Dragon “much, much sooner” and when the defence investment plan (Dip) will be published.
Mr Healey replied: “We have been blunt and we have been open about the threat that Iran poses.”
He declined to say when the completed Dip would be released.
Sir Keir earlier on Monday told the Commons Liaison Committee that the Government was “finalising” the document.
Mr Healey also told MPs that “two Iranian missiles were launched in the direction of Diego Garcia”, the Indian Ocean island where the UK operates a military base jointly with the United States.
He said: “One fell short of its target, the other was brought down short of its target, neither got close to Diego Garcia. The UK was not required to take action and normal operations continue.
“I totally condemn Iran’s reckless attacks. Iran must stop – it must de-escalate. We want to see this war end now.”
HMS Dragon has a crew of around 200. It is one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers.