UK puts destroyers on high alert amid Middle East tensions

The UK's Royal Navy has placed a Type-45 destroyer on heightened combat readiness amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to the newspaper The National.

The destroyer is equipped with the Sea Viper air-defence system, capable of engaging drones and hypersonic missiles, and is ready for immediate deployment to the region if necessary.

Former UK Deputy Home Secretary Tom Tugendhat called for the rapid deployment of ships to protect the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the combat readiness of HMS Dauntless and HMS Duncan. Former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe noted that the vessels could reach the region faster to strengthen air defence.

The deployment comes amid a military escalation involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, increasing risks for regional assets and allies.

By Jeyhun Aghazada