UK cut staff hours at key naval base responding to Cyprus drone strike – POLITICO

LONDON — Britain’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract last year ending around-the-clock staffing at a key naval base, which a union representing defense workers says is contributing to the delays deploying to defend Cyprus as the Middle East crisis escalates.

Warship HMS Dragon is at the center of a row over Britain’s response to the targeting of its Royal Air Force base on Cyprus. The vessel is being prepared for deployment to the Mediterranean, but will not be able to sail until next week. Cyprus has accused Britain of being too slow in its response as it faces active drone threats.

The Type 45 destroyer needed maintenance welding, requiring weapons to be removed and reinstalled.