HMS Dragon deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean to defend Cyprus
The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon left the UK on 10 March 2026 to help defend Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Her primary role is to protect RAF Akrotiri after an Iranian-made drone hit it. She stopped at Gibraltar on the way and trained during the transit. The Royal Navy announced her arrival in the Eastern Mediterranean on 24 March 2026, to integrate into Cyprus's defences alongside allies. Wildcat helicopters of 815 Naval Air Squadron, armed with Martlet missiles, support her against drones.
- Where
- Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, off Cyprus
- When
- since 10 Mar 2026
- Units
- HMS Dragon (home port HMNB Portsmouth); 815 Naval Air Squadron Wildcat helicopters
- Last checked
- 4 Nov 2026
Sources
- Royal Navy destroyer arrives in Eastern Mediterranean Royal Navy, 24 Mar 2026
- Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon sails for Eastern Mediterranean mission Naval News, 10 Mar 2026
- HMS Dragon departs UK for eastern Mediterranean Yahoo News
