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Delays Plague UK's Dragon Frigate Deployment to Cyprus

Published March 7, 2026, 14:14
Delays Plague UK's Dragon Frigate Deployment to Cyprus

The deployment of the British frigate Dragon to Cyprus is facing delays due to bureaucratic and organizational issues, including limited operating hours at the Portsmouth naval base where the ship is located. According to the Prospect union, the UK Ministry of Defence has imposed strict operating hours (9 am - 5 pm) to reduce costs, thus delaying the ship's preparations. Serco Marine Services, which provides services at the port, rejects the allegations, stating that work is proceeding normally. In addition to the limited schedule, the delay is also due to the need for extensive refueling and ship maintenance in dry dock, which will take about a week. Undersecretary of Defence Al Karns explained that the ship needs technical work and reconfiguration before departing for the Eastern Mediterranean. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism for the delay in deciding to send the frigate to the region after the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, as it took more than 72 hours. His critics accuse him of failing to foresee the possibility of conflict and prepare the ship earlier. According to reports, the Royal Navy has 6 Type 45 frigates, but three are decommissioned and maintained, while the remaining three need time to prepare for operations. Overall, it is expected to take more than two weeks for the Dragon to reach Cyprus.

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