UK increases military readiness in the Middle East

The United Kingdom has placed the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on high alert, reducing its mobilization time, though officials confirm no final decision has been made for its deployment. The ship, which carries F-35 aircraft, remains docked at Portsmouth. Meanwhile, the destroyer HMS Dragon is being prepared for deployment to Cyprus following a drone strike on the RAF Akrotiri base. Reports from the Daily Telegraph suggest maintenance delays for the HMS Dragon due to restricted working hours at the Portsmouth shipyard, a claim contested by the contractor Serco, which states that operations continue as scheduled. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Richard Knighton stated that the HMS Dragon is expected to depart for Cyprus within the next few days. The UK has been reinforcing its regional presence since January with additional personnel, Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, and air defense systems. Admiral Knighton defended these military preparations as a response to the current escalation with Iran, emphasizing that these moves are primarily intended to protect British citizens in the region.