The postponement of HMS Dragon’s deployment is attributed to cost-saving measures implemented last year, as per the suggestions made by the Prospect Union. Allegedly, the Portsmouth naval base has shifted its staffing model to regular weekday hours, a claim disputed by the MoD and contractor Serco.
HMS Dragon, set to sail to the Mediterranean to protect a British military base, may not depart until next week. Tensions have escalated over the UK government’s response to recent Middle East attacks following the US and Israel’s actions against Iran.
A drone strike targeted the UK’s RAF base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, leading Cyprus to criticize Britain for a delayed response. The Ministry of Defence inked a new contract with Serco, overseeing operations at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth where HMS Dragon is stationed.
While the Type 45 destroyer remains in Portsmouth for ammunition restocking and maintenance, a new contract implemented by Serco in October 2025 allegedly altered work hours, causing delays in preparing HMS Dragon for defense duties.
Prospect Union members at Serco Marine Services have volunteered to work extra hours to ready HMS Dragon, expressing concerns that the previous contract would have expedited the process. Mike Clancy, Prospect’s general secretary, emphasized the need for a review of the contract’s impact on readiness during crises.
Both the MoD and Serco rebutted the union’s claims, asserting full compliance with the Navy’s requirements. Serco emphasized its commitment to preparing HMS Dragon for deployment, refuting any claims of work hour disruptions affecting the warship’s readiness.
According to The Telegraph, the main working hours at the Portsmouth naval base under the contract are from 7 am to 7 pm. Staff previously protested the new contract, fearing its efficacy under operational pressures.
MoD spokesperson affirmed that all requests for support from Serco regarding ship preparation have been met. Recent information suggests that the drone attack on the RAF base, initially attributed to Iran, may have been orchestrated by pro-Iranian groups from Lebanon or Iraq.