A report by the online edition of The Times states that the United Kingdom is dispatching the destroyer HMS Duncan to waters near Cyprus as part of heightened security measures at the British Bases, following the strike by an Iranian drone in Akrotiri.
Cyprus Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas said he has not received any official briefing on the matter.
Report by The Times
According to the publication, the British Government is sending the warship to the region in the context of increased protective measures at the Sovereign Base Areas after the drone incident.
The report has circulated widely online, prompting questions regarding the presence of British naval assets in Cypriot waters.
Response from the Minister of Defence
On the sidelines of his meeting with Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, Mr Palmas was asked to comment on the report.
He replied: “We have no information, unless any discussion arose during the time of the meeting with the Minister.”
No further details were provided regarding any potential deployment.
HMS Duncan is the sixth and final Type 45 or Daring-class air-defence destroyer built for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, launched on 11 October 2010 and commissioned into service on 26 September 2013. She is named after Admiral Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan, who defeated the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797. The ship is one of the most advanced air-defence warships in the world, designed primarily to protect UK and allied naval forces against airborne threats with the Sea Viper missile system. Duncan displaces around 8 500 tonnes, measures about 152 metres in length and carries a complement of approximately 190 to 280 personnel, depending on operational requirements. The vessel has a flight deck and hangar for a Merlin helicopter and has seen active deployment in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Persian Gulf and Red Sea, including roles as flagship of NATO task groups and in protection of international shipping.
Source: The Times