
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the Royal Navy has deployed the Type 45 air defense destroyer HMS Dragon (D35) and helicopters with counter-drone capabilities to protect Cyprus from further drone attacks.
The UK Ministry of Defence also announced that Royal Air Force F-35B jets had shot down drones during operations from RAF Akrotiri over Jordan. Six F-35B jets were deployed to RAF Akrotiri last month as part of the response to the tensions.
The ministry said it was the first time British F-35 jets had been engaged in a live-fire mission to destroy targets. It did not say how many drones were shot down, but released a video of the operation.
Secretary of State for Defense, John Healey, emphasized:
“We are strengthening our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. HMS Dragon brings world-class air defense and Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter drone threats. I am proud of the professionalism and bravery of our forces.”
These engagements add to previous UK missions following the United States and Israel's attacks on Iran.