The British destroyer HMS Dragon has arrived in Cyprus to protect military bases

The British destroyer HMS Dragon arrived in the eastern Mediterranean on March 23, 2026, to protect British military facilities in Cyprus from Iranian attacks. 

Sky News reports this.

Defense Minister John Gili stated that the ship would begin operational integration into the island’s defense system that very evening. The destroyer has the technical capability to shoot down drones and ballistic missiles, which is critical for ensuring the safety of the contingent in the region.

The decision to strengthen the military presence off the coast of Cyprus was made after the Royal Air Force’s Akrotiri airbase came under two attacks by Iranian drones on March 2. The deployment of HMS Dragon comes amid a general escalation of tensions, which Donald Trump cited in justifying the need for U.S. defense spending. 

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the country will hold talks with the United Kingdom regarding the future of their military bases on the island. He called them a “colonial legacy” and noted that discussions will take place after the situation in the Middle East stabilizes.