No one can defeat the Dragon! The Royal Navy warship simulates dodging incoming missiles after being deployed to Cyprus to defend against Iranian attacks
Dramatic footage shows a Royal Navy warship swerve as it simulates dodging incoming missiles after being deployed to Cyprus amid fears of Iranian attacks.
HMS Dragon carries out sharp evasion maneuvers during the April 25 exercise as part of preparations for possible attacks in the region.
Other scenes show the crew donning protective gear as they practice exercises for ballistic missile attacks.
The Type 45 destroyer is operating as part of a mission to provide air defense to sovereign British territory, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The Royal Navy said the ‘high-speed maneuvers’ were part of training to ensure HMS Dragon remains ready for operations, adding that the ship is conducting a series of exercises to maintain operational readiness.
HMS Dragon’s main role is air defense, protecting other ships by detecting and neutralizing threats using the Sea Viper missile system.
This includes drones, aircraft and missiles that can be launched by hostile actors such as Iranian-backed groups or regional adversaries.
It comes as the Royal Navy is left with just five active frigates after another warship was withdrawn.
Dramatic footage shows a Royal Navy warship swerving at high speed as it simulates dodging incoming missiles after deploying to Cyprus amid fears of Iranian attacks
HMS Dragon carries out sharp evasion maneuvers during April 25 exercise, as part of preparations for possible attacks in the region
The Type 45 destroyer is operating as part of a mission to provide air defense to sovereign British territory, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
HMS Iron Duke is not expected to return to sea as it has reportedly been stripped of weapons and sensors and has not sailed since October 2025, less than three years after a £103 million refit.
HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on 10 March, a week after being ordered to prepare for deployment to the Mediterranean.
The action followed a drone strike near RAF Akrotiri, which prompted France and other EU and NATO allies to deploy ships to help defend the island.
Defense Secretary John Healey praised the Royal Navy’s “remarkable effort”, saying: “What is normally six weeks of work was completed in just six days – a remarkable effort delivered around the clock.”
Hundreds of well-wishers lined the sea wall as the warship sailed from Portsmouth, while the crew stood on deck as it left port.
A French aircraft carrier and other European naval vessels are also around Cyprus.
Emmanuel Macron said the island could “count on France” when he visited Cyprus, in comments seen as a swipe at Britain’s response.
A video on social media showed the French president with military personnel and equipment, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, alongside images facing La Marseillaise.
He said: ‘Your presence demonstrates the power of France.’
HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper missile system and is supported by Wildcat helicopters from the 815 Naval Air Squadron, armed with Martlet missiles.
The Royal Navy said: ‘The decision to send Royal Navy assets came as Iran’s attacks continue to target British interests in the region and British forces continue to adapt to evolving threats.’
It added that HMS Dragon “has begun her journey to the Eastern Mediterranean to join up with British defensive operations in the region.”
Around 200 sailors make up the crew of HMS Dragon, which is believed to be capable of protecting an area around five times the size of Cyprus.