The United Kingdom has announced the deployment of HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy warship, to the Eastern Mediterranean following reports of a drone strike at a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment decision, citing the need to protect approximately 200,000 British nationals in the region.

The incident that prompted the deployment reportedly involved an Iranian drone allegedly striking the RAF base in Cyprus, though details of the strike and any resulting damage have not been fully disclosed by officials.

Despite the announcement of the deployment, HMS Dragon will not be ready to sail for several days, according to Western officials. The warship is currently being loaded with ammunition at Portsmouth, having recently completed maintenance work.

The delay in deployment has raised questions about the UK's readiness to respond quickly to threats against British forces in the region. The Eastern Mediterranean has become an increasingly tense area, with various military assets from different nations operating in the vicinity.

HMS Dragon's deployment represents part of Britain's broader commitment to maintaining a military presence in the region and protecting its personnel and citizens abroad. The warship is expected to sail sometime next week once preparations are complete.