The British warship HMS Dragon has set sail from Portsmouth and is heading towards Cyprus, the British royal navy said on Tuesday.

“The decision to send the Royal Navy assets came as Iran’s attacks continue to target British interests in the region and the UK Armed Forces continue to adapt to the changing threats,” it said.

The warship is equipped with the sea viper missile system, which is aimed at supporting the safeguarding of “UK assets and interests.”

Capable of launching eight missiles in less than ten seconds, the navy said that the sea viper system can direct up to 16 missiles on to their targets simultaneously and “close them in for the kill” at up to four times the speed of sound.

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“[The HMS Dragon] builds on the UK increased defensive presence in the region in recent weeks,” the navy added.

Following the drone attack on the British Akrotiri base on Cyprus, the UK deployed air defence systems, including radar, as well as F-35 stealth fighters, which the Navy said were already conducting air defence sorties.

“I am proud that our highly-professional personnel have responded in a short time to ensure HMS Dragon and the Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron are fully prepared for their mission,” fleet commander Steve Moorhouse said.

The HMS Dragon has a crew of around 200 sailors, and is equipped with the six type 45 destroyers.

“[These are the Fleet’s first line of defence against aerial threats – aircraft, missiles, drones and capable of protecting an area up to five times the size of Cyprus,” it added.

The arrival of the warship had been delayed because the personnel responsible for preparing it were subject to cost-cutting measures by the British Ministry of Defence, preventing them from working at weekends.

British defence secretary John Healey commended the royal navy personnel for their efforts in preparing the warship for deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

“What is normally six weeks of work was completed in just six days – a remarkable effort delivered around the clock. They are the very best of Britain in action,” he said.

No official information has been released yet regarding the arrival time of the vessel in Cyprus.