Technical issues reported on Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon as ship conducts 'maintenance' amid Iran tensions
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Mechanical faults have been reported aboard a Royal Navy destroyer currently deployed amid ongoing tensions in Iran.
HMS Dragon, which has been despatched from Portsmouth to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus, has docked in the Mediterranean after suffering technical issues. She was taken out of maintenance and readied for deployment after six weeks worth of work was completed in six days.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Type 45 destroyer will still be able to sail at short notice “if required”. A spokesperson said: “HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance
“HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required. The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean, working in co-ordination with allies. This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.”
The Daily Mail reports that the difficulties centre around “a minor technical issue with onboard water systems”. It’s understood the problem will be addressed during the stop, but that the issue has not affected the ship’s operational capability. All crew have had access to water and catering, and they have been able to take showers. It is also understood that it was always planned for HMS Dragon to make a logistics stop at approximately this point in her deployment.
The Daring-class vessel also reportedly suffered from “power cuts and propulsion failures” during her voyage to the eastern Mediterranean. According to The Sun, the 260-strong ship’s company have faced “repeated” faults while battling through gales and 20ft high waves. A source told the national; publication that these were simply “niggles” that were normal whenever a warship sails shortly after a maintenance period.
Plans were originally in place for her to be dry docked until April and take charge of Nato’s Standing Maritime Group 1 operation, but this was changed at short notice. The role has been replaced by the German warship Sachsen.
Defence secretary John Healey said it was a sign of the strength of the Nato alliance, but he was “not happy” with the ongoing British warships situation. The fleet is shrinking, with modern replacements still years away from being commissioned.
US President Donald Trump and defence secretary Pete Hegseth have repeatedly insulted the Royal Navy fleet in recent weeks. Today (April 7), US President Donald Trump threatened to wipe out “a whole civilisation” if Iran did not meet his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He has given Tehran 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.
Downing Street said the UK’s focus was on “de-escalation” and a “negotiated settlement” for the region, but Mr Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued since it began on February 28.