Royal Navy leads NATO maritime force from German flagship; HMS Dragon in Cyprus
FGS Sachsen, the German Navy’s flagship, from where Royal Navy will command the NATO maritime task force.
HMS Dragon was due to lead Nato’s Standing Maritime Group 1, but was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect British forces in Cyprus.
Royal Navy personnel will command one of Nato’s maritime immediate response forces from the German flagship as HMS Dragon is no longer available to lead the force, BFBS Forces News understands.
The Type 45 destroyer was originally due to take up the role of leading Nato’s Standing Maritime Group 1, but was redeployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect British forces in Cyprus.
The move was branded a bailout and a sign the Royal Navy has run out of ships by the Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, but BFBS Forces News understands it is not uncommon for the group to be commanded from an allied warship.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: Our commitment to Nato remains unwavering, and the UK will fulfil its leadership role in SNMG1 as planned, with a Royal Navy Commodore assuming command next month.
A Royal Navy-led battle staff will embark on FGS Sachsen, the German Navy’s flagship, to command the maritime task force.
The German Embassy in London described the move as an expression of the close German-British partnership.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said: “HMS Dragon was rapidly brought to readiness and deployed from Portsmouth earlier this month and will now play her full part in defending Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
“Equipped with the cutting-edge Sea Viper system, she can tackle a wide range of threats. On her way to the region, her crew have undertaken essential training to ready themselves for this mission, and I have every confidence that they will rise to the task before them.
“In uncertain times, her presence is a visible demonstration of the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting our people and our interests, at home and overseas.”
