HMS Dragon is described as one of the most capable air defence warships in the world and is equipped to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones. The destroyer carries the Sea Viper missile system, capable of launching eight missiles in under ten seconds and guiding up to 16 simultaneously.
Type 45 destroyers have previously demonstrated their operational effectiveness, including when one intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024. The latest deployment follows a series of successful UK counter-drone actions across the region in the past 24 hours.
RAF F-35B jets shot down drones over Jordan, marking the first time an RAF F-35 has destroyed a target on operations, supported by Typhoon aircraft and a Voyager tanker. A British counter-drone unit also neutralised drones in Iraqi airspace heading towards Coalition forces, while an RAF Typhoon from 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 Ministry of Defence said the decision to deploy additional assets reflects the evolving threat environment. It follows recent measures to strengthen the UK’s defensive footprint in the region, including the deployment of radar systems, air defence assets and F-35 aircraft.
Defence Secretary John Healey 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.”
He added: “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.” The Wildcat helicopters, armed with Martlet missiles, will enhance the UK’s ability to hunt and destroy aerial threats in the area.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
