Two reasons it took so long to deploy HMS Dragon – and former Navy commander says ‘neither are good’
Two Reasons Behind HMS Dragon’s Delay in Deployment – Ex-Navy Commander Criticizes Lack of Preparedness
HMS Dragon has now departed Portsmouth, heading toward its mission to safeguard the UK’s airbase in Cyprus from potential threats. However, the airbase was struck by a drone more than a week ago, with additional drones intercepted, raising questions about the timing of the ship’s deployment.
Defense Budget Cuts Accelerated the Decline
Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe explained to Sky’s This Is Why podcast that the delay stems from a prolonged reduction in defense funding. He highlighted a “30-year decline” in military spending, a trend intensified by the 2010 strategic defense review and the austerity measures under David Cameron and George Osborne. During this period, no new warships were ordered, leaving the fleet stretched thin.
“The strategic defense review in 2010 [and] the Cameron-Osborne austerity review really expedited that decline,” Sharpe noted. “For that entire era of Tory government, replacement frigates were put on ice, and there’s a real culpability here.”
With resources limited, the Royal Navy currently operates just seven frigates and six destroyers. Sharpe emphasized that the “rule of three to one” — where one ship is in training, one in action, and one in maintenance — leaves the fleet critically undermanned. At present, only two destroyers are operational, and neither is immediately available for deployment.
Government Decisions Delayed the Process
Sharpe attributed the second delay to inefficiencies in the government’s decision-making. He argued that ministers should bear responsibility, as the urgency to prepare the Type 45 destroyer for deployment was evident. “The need to get a Type 45 ready for sea and out the door was blatantly obvious,” he said.
For instance, US President Donald Trump had openly discussed positioning military assets near Iran before launching strikes. Sharpe pointed out that while the Navy would have advocated for immediate action, the final call rested with policymakers. “They just present options, ‘this is what we’ve got, this is what we recommend,’ then it’s not in their hands,” he explained.
Operational Capabilities and Future Prospects
HMS Dragon’s journey to Cyprus could take between six and a half to 11 days, depending on its speed and weather in the Bay of Biscay. Sharpe mentioned that the 200-strong crew is eager to apply their training in real-world scenarios. The ship is equipped with advanced radar systems and formidable weaponry, including the pyramid-shaped Sampson radar tower, designed to detect drones and missiles.
“The Sampson radar can multitask at an extraordinary rate and will determine for you what is the greatest threat,” Sharpe told Sky News.
Its arsenal includes surface-to-air Sea Viper missiles, a 20mm Phalanx rapid-fire cannon for close combat, and an automated 30mm cannon capable of engaging multiple drones. While these systems are effective, Sharpe warned that limited resources have created “real nervousness about using these precious assets,” as their deployment could risk future availability for maintenance.
Sharpe also speculated that HMS Dragon’s role might extend beyond Cyprus. He suggested the ship could be deployed to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage currently blocked for commercial vessels. “At some point, someone is going to have to try to lever that open,” he said. “The Type 45 in that environment would be very, very useful to the American effort down there.”
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