Dragon heads out from Portsmouth to take up air defence duties in the Eastern Mediterranean
Air defence destroyer HMS Dragon has set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean to bolster British defences in the region.
Family and friends joined hundreds of well-wishers lining the seawall as the Type 45 destroyer slipped out of Portsmouth Harbour.
She had spent the past few days being resupplied for the deployment – taking on everything from Aster missiles for her Sea Viper weapons system to food for the crew.
Working at pace
The MOD said the Royal Navy had been working "at pace" to get her ready to sail - completing six weeks’ worth of work in just six days.
The warship is in good company because Wildcat helicopters have already arrived at RAF Akrotri in Cyprus, armed with Martlet which are capable of dealing with aerial threats such as drones.
A Merlin Mk2 helicopter from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall in also in Cyprus. This helicopter carries the Crowsnest radar system which provides a surveillance and early warning capability.
The decision to send the Type 45 destroyer and additional UK assets came in response to continued Iranian attacks on British interests in the region.
"I am proud that our highly professional personnel have responded in a short time to ensure HMS Dragon and the Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron are fully prepared for their mission," said Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse.
Protecting an area five times the size of Cyprus
HMS Dragon, which is based in Portsmouth and has a crew of around 200 sailors, is one of six Type 45 destroyers in the Royal Navy.
They are the fleet’s first line of defence against aerial threats whether that be aircraft, missiles or drones, and are capable of protecting an area up to five times the size of Cyprus.
HMS Dragon can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and eliminate them with her Sea Viper system which can launch eight missiles in under 10 seconds and direct up to 16 missiles on to their targets simultaneously.
The Sea Viper's Aster missiles can close in on a target at up to four times the speed of sound.
The system – and the men and women who operate it – has proven itself time and again in the Red Sea when HMS Diamond repeatedly downed drones and at least one missile launched at passing shipping by Houthi rebels.
Last year Dragon herself became the first British warship to destroy a missile travelling at supersonic speed during an international exercise off Scotland, obliterating the target despite its attempts to corkscrew and weave to avoid Sea Viper.
Professionalism and pride
HMS Dragon's Commanding Officer, Commander Iain Giffin, said: "My ship's company have worked tirelessly to ensure we are ready for our mission to the Eastern Mediterranean.
"I am proud of professional manner in which they have responded.
"We are trained for this, we are ready for this, we have the equipment and people, we have the support of the British people and, most importantly, our families and friends."
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