UK disrupts deadly drone fired from Iran in dramatic defensive operation | UK | News
A deadly drone fired from Iran was dramatically disrupted by British military forces defending allies in the Middle East. A statement released by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday evening said the one-way attack drone had been launched by Iran towards Iraq and that UK forces “successfully engaged” the device.
“The engagement occurred as RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets continued to conduct defensive sorties across the region,” the statement read. Sir Keir Starmer has attracted widespread criticism for not initially backing the US-Israeli bombing on Iran, which began last week and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Prime Minister later allowed US forces to use British bases for limited defensive operations and agreed to send RAF jets to help defend allies in the region.
But many have slammed the PM’s move as too little, too late – not least US president Donald Trump, who has unleashed a barrage of insults against his one-time ally.
After saying Sir Keir was “not Winston Churchill”, he reacted badly to news on Saturday that the UK could be sending an aircraft carrier.
“We don’t need them any longer,” he fumed on his Truth Social site. “But we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!”
Sir Keir has defended his decision not to permit the US to use British bases in the opening assault against the Tehran regime, suggesting it could have been unlawful. He spoke to Mr Trump by phone on Sunday in a bid to repair the damaged special relationship.
The £1billion Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon is heading to the Mediterranean, but is only expected to set sail in the next few days.
France and Greece have already deployed military assets to defend Cyprus, where an RAF base was attacked by drones earlier in the week.
In its statement on the drone attack, the MoD said a Merlin helicopter “is due to arrive in theatre, further strengthening our ability to detect aerial threats”.
The aircraft can fly a mile in height and give more advanced warning of incoming drones.
The MoD is also increasing the preparedness of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and reducing the time it would take to set sail. However, no decisions have been taken to deploy the warship.
