UK to send warships and helicopters to Eastern Mediterranean

The UK will send HMS Dragon and three drone-busting Wildcat helicopters to the Eastern Mediterranean to boost British defences.

HMS Drago, a Type 45 destroyer will strengthen the UK's ability to detect, track and destroy aerial threats, including drones. It is fitted with the Sea Viper missile system, which can launch eight missiles in under ten seconds and guide up to 16 missiles simultaneously.

A Type 45 destroyer successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in 2024.

British armed forces has successfully shot down multiple drones across the region over the last week including RAF F-35B jets shooting down drones over Jordan and a British counter-drone unit neutralising drones in Iraqi airspace.

Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are heading to the region. They will hunt and shoot down aerial threats.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the growing drone threat.

"I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests."