- HMS Dragon set to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to defend
British interests and support the collective self-defence of our
allies.
- Wildcat helicopters also to deploy, armed with drone busting
Martlet missiles.
- Follows UK armed forces shooting down drones in Iraq, Jordan
and Qatar over the last 24 hours.
The UK is deploying its cutting-edge warship, HMS
Dragon, and drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern
Mediterranean to boost British defences in the region.
The Type 45 destroyer is one of the most capable air defence
warships in the world, and will strengthen the UK's ability to
detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones.
The ship is fitted with the world-leading Sea Viper missile
system, which can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and
guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously. Type 45 Destroyers have
already been proven on operations, including when one
successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024.
The deployment comes as the UK armed forces successfully shot
down multiple drones across the region over the previous 24
hours:
RAF F-35B jets shot down drones over Jordan - the first time an
RAF F-35 has destroyed a target on operations – supported by
Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft. A British
counter-drone unit neutralised drones in Iraqi airspace heading
towards Coalition forces, whilst an RAF Typhoon operating with
the joint UK-Qatar 12 Squadron shot down an Iranian one-way
attack drone directed at Qatar using an air-to-air missile on
Monday.
The decision comes as Iran's reckless attacks continue to target
British interests in the region, as the UK Armed Forces continue
to adapt to the changing threats.
It follows the UK bolstering its defensive presence in the region
in recent weeks, including deploying radar systems, air defence,
and F-35 jets.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive
presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our
Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter
the growing drone threat.
“I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our
Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully
taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend
British interests.”
In a further boost, two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed
with Martlet drone-busting missiles are also deploying.
The helicopters will be able to hunt and shoot down aerial
threats, adding a powerful counter-drone capability to the
region.
