The UK will deploy the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon and helicopters with counter-drone capabilities to Cyprus, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.

Axar.az reports, citing Sky News, the ship, currently in Portsmouth, is expected to reach the region in five to seven days. HMS Dragon is the only Royal Navy vessel capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.

The deployment follows a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which caused minimal damage and no casualties. The UK has also authorized U.S. forces to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iran’s missile operations.

“The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there. We’re continuing our defensive operations and I’ve just spoken with the president of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region. We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies,” Keir Starmer wrote on X.

The Type 45 destroyer provides an extra layer of protection to British forces not only in Cyprus but across the Gulf and for UK allies, according to Sky News’ security and defense editor Deborah Haynes. She noted that regional allies have requested the UK to strengthen air defenses as Iran continues retaliatory missile and drone attacks following U.S.–Israeli strikes.

Additionally, RAF F-35B jets shot down drones over Jordan, marking the first operational target destroyed by RAF F-35s.