On her way soon: Extra Typhoons, Wildcats and Merlin to be supported by HMS Dragon
HMS Dragon is due to set sail within the next couple of days, the Defence Secretary has announced, bolstering the level of protection that has already been enhanced in the Eastern Mediterranean.
John Healey said extra UK military assets had been put in place in the region since January – before the US and Israel launched their attack on Iran.
He said those preparations had made a real difference, with F-35s destroying Iranian drones over Jordan, Typhoons shooting down targets heading towards Qatar, and counter-drone units defeating further attacks against coalition bases in Iraq.
New arrivals
Due to the Iranian response, Mr Healey said he has taken military advice and committed further resources to the region, including four extra Typhoons, three Wildcat helicopters, a Merlin helicopter and Type 45 air defence destroyer HMS Dragon.
"I can confirm today that Dragon will set sail in the next couple of days," he said. "I want to personally thank all those who are working tirelessly – some 22 hours a day – to get the ship ready.
"HMS Dragon will join US air defence destroyers to provide additional protection in the Eastern Mediterranean."
He said the UK was now conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates.
"We have now deployed additional RAF operations experts to more than five countries in the region, helping coordinate regional military and civilian airspace," Mr Healey added.
"And the fragments of the drone that hit Akrotiri are being analysed for foreign military hardware by our experts at Dstl [the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, an MOD agency].
MOD updates
In addition to Mr Healey's comments, the Ministry of Defence has been issuing a number of updates on UK activity in the region.
In its latest post, it said RAF Typhoon jets had successfully taken out an uncrewed aerial system in defence of Jordan and successfully intercepted a drone that was heading in the direction of Bahrain.
The UK has begun conducting defensive air sorties in support of the United Arab Emirates.
To support defensive operations, the UK has deployed additional air operations experts to the Gulf – ensuring an accurate air picture across the region and assisting partners with airspace management.
Further Wildcat helicopters have arrived at UK bases in Cyprus to support defensive operations in the region.
A Merlin helicopter has also arrived in theatre to further strengthen the UK's ability to detect aerial threats.
Keeping the skies safe
British pilots have now racked up more than 230 flying hours, Mr Healey said.
"We have eight jets in Qatar, including the joint British-Qatari squadron, who are flying in support of regional allies – and we have more jets in Cyprus than any other nation," he said.
"I visited our 400-strong air defence team at our base in Cyprus on Thursday last week. They are there in addition to more than 4,000 personnel regularly stationed on the island.
"I was subjected to the daily air sirens they face. I saw the impact that the Iranian proxy drone caused.
"I asked the Commander British Forces, General Tom Bewick, 'Do you need anything more from us back in Britain?' And he said to me, 'No. I have been given everything I've asked for'."
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