Keir Starmer has made a decision regarding the deployment of a top-tier vessel from the UK’s naval fleet to the Middle East amidst escalating tensions involving Donald Trump, Israel, and Iran.
The chosen ship is the HMS Dragon, a cutting-edge Destroyer class vessel valued at £1 billion. Following an incident involving a suspected Iranian Shahed drone at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, leading to damage to the base’s runway, the Prime Minister opted to dispatch the HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean.
Although Cypriot authorities described the damage as “limited,” the UK government deemed it necessary to enhance regional security by sending the HMS Dragon. This ship, recognized as one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced, was one of the top contenders considered by Starmer for this critical deployment.
The HMS Dragon, known for its distinctive Welsh Dragon emblem on the bow, is hailed as one of the world’s most advanced warships. Measuring 152.4 meters in length and 21.2 meters in width, with a displacement of 8,000 to 8,500 tonnes, the Type-45 Daring class vessel is equipped with the formidable Sea Viper anti-air missile system.
The Sea Viper missiles onboard the HMS Dragon are capable of intercepting even supersonic targets. With an arsenal comprising 72 missiles, CAMM launcher cells, a Phalanx CIWS radar-guided Gatling gun, and 30mm guns, the ship is operated by a crew of 200 skilled personnel responsible for various tasks including long-range target acquisition, helicopter maintenance, and weapons upkeep.
Beyond its military capabilities, the HMS Dragon holds a level of prestige within the Royal Navy, having featured in the 2021 film “No Time To Die,” where it played a crucial role in a fictional missile strike scenario.
While another option, the HMS Duncan, was also under consideration, it was deemed less advanced than the HMS Dragon currently en route to the Mediterranean. The HMS Duncan, the sixth Type-45 Destroyer in the UK fleet, shares similar specifications with the Dragon, including the Sea Viper system and advanced weaponry.
Currently stationed at Portsmouth Naval Base, the HMS Duncan, like its counterparts, fulfills a range of missions from air defense to humanitarian aid efforts.
