HMS Dragon simulates evading missile strikes in the Eastern Mediterranean

HMS Dragon has been conducting a Hands to Action Stations exercise to practise for a missile attack at sea, as she continues her deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean.

While rehearsing drills, the Type 45 is seen doing swerving manoeuvres to avoid incoming strikes, while her crew practise rapidly pulling on their protective gear.

The destroyer is currently operating in the region as part of a mission to protect sovereign British territory, particularly RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which was hit by a drone in early March.

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HMS Dragon is back in action after spending two weeks at Souda Bay in Crete where an on-board water problem and testing systems were fixed.

She then underwent an intensive three-day Operational Capability Confidence Check at NATO FORACS in Greece, as her electronic warfare equipment and radar were calibrated before returning to Cyprus.

Dragon is one of the most capable air defence warships in the world – fitted with the Sea Viper missile system, which can launch eight missiles in under 10 seconds and guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously.