UK sends a destroyer to Cyprus

The decision was announced on March 3, following a meeting between UK Defense Secretary John Healey and senior military commanders to discuss the issue. It was decided that one of the Royal Navy’s vessels would be dispatched. The HMSDuncan, a Type 45 guided missile destroyer, is expected to head toward Cyprus. The Royal Navy operates six ships of this class, three of which are currently undergoing maintenance. Among them, HMSDuncan is in the highest state of readiness and could reach Cyprus within a week.

The British base Akrotiri was attacked by a Shahed drone during the night of March 1–2. The strike was carried out by Iran in retaliation for earlier bombings of its territory by the United States and Israel. According toThe Times, the UK currently lacks the capability to defend its bases in Cyprus against Iranian ballistic missiles.

Earlier, France and Greece had decided to send assistance to Cyprus. Paris will deploy anti-missile and anti-drone systems to the island, while Greece has ordered the deployment of its frigates and fighter jets.

While retaliation from Iran following the US-Israeli intervention was expected, an attack on another NATO member state came as a surprise. It forced a response from alliance members and provided an opportunity to test the level of cooperation in the face of a potential threat.