HMS Dragon has docked in the eastern Mediterranean after experiencing a “minor technical issue” with its water systems, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
The type-45 destroyer, which was despatched by the Royal Navy to defend British air bases in Cyprus amid the Iran war, will go into port for a "routine logistics stop" and a "short maintenance period".
The MoD said that repairs to the onboard water systems will take place during the stop, but that the issue has not affected the ship’s operational capability, and the warship will still be able to sail at short notice “if required”.
An MoD spokesperson said: “HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance.
“HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.”
Officials have said that all 200 crew have had access to water and catering, and have been able to take showers, while weapons and systems onboard the vessel will be further optimised during its stop.
The MoD added: “The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean, working in co-ordination with allies.
“This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.”
HMS Dragon is one of the Royal Navy's six air destroyers purpose built for anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare, and is of Britain's most advanced warships.
It is one of a number of British military assets in the region defending UK bases and allied nations from Iranian-made drones and other weapons, with the ability to track 1,000 objects from 250 miles away and fire up to eight Sea Viper missiles simultaneously to intercept targets.
The destroyer was last pictured at the Nato naval base in Souda Bay, Crete, on March 23, having left Portsmouth on March 10 to reinforce security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after a drone struck the base.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was criticised for Britain’s perceived slow response to the conflict in the Middle East, with HMS Dragon arriving three weeks after the drone strike, with calls from Cypriot politicians to renegotiate the status of the UK sovereign base areas on the island.
Donald Trump has also repeatedly criticised Starmer for the Royal Navy’s response to the war, vowing to “remember” the lack of British support at the outset of the conflict.
Tory MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty said there was a “crushing inevitability” about the destroyer going into port for maintenance.
Obese-Jecty, a former Army officer, said: “Four weeks late to the Eastern Mediterranean and lasted two weeks before suffering maintenance issues, with the MoD claiming it’s a scheduled stop, just as the potential of retaliatory Iranian strikes within hours is the lead headline around the world.”
“The Government knew the Royal Navy would need to deploy a Type-45 to the region in January. They failed to start preparations until it meant that HMS Dragon had to be brought out of maintenance in just six days because HMS Duncan, as the actual fleet-ready escort, is yet to undergo the power improvement project upgrade that would enable it to operate in warm waters.
“This Government’s management of our Armed Forces continues to be an international embarrassment.”
