HMS Dragon delayed a week due to repairs, then deployed to Cyprus amid regional tensions after a drone strike.

HMS Dragon, a £1 billion Royal Navy destroyer, delayed its deployment to Cyprus for a week due to repairs, remaining in dry dock without weapons and surrounded by scaffolding. It finally departed Portsmouth on March 13 after three days drifting in the English Channel, prompted by a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri that damaged a hangar and prompted evacuations. The ship’s delayed response drew criticism over readiness and strategic preparedness, especially as only three of six Type 45 destroyers were operational. Despite the delay, sailors worked around the clock to arm the vessel with Sea Ceptor missiles. The Ministry of Defence cited operational security and routine maintenance for the extended timeline, confirming the ship was en route to protect British assets amid rising regional tensions.