LONDON

The UK is considering sending a Royal Navy warship to the Greek Cypriot Administration to help defend a key Royal Air Force base following drone incidents in the region, British media reported Tuesday.

Defense Secretary John Healey is understood to be weighing the deployment of the destroyer HMS Duncan to the Mediterranean to bolster protection for the RAF airbase at RAF Akrotiri, on the southernmost part of the island, according to a report by The Guardian.

Multiple sources said discussions are underway on sending the warship, which is currently docked in Portsmouth, amid concerns about the vulnerability of the base’s air defenses.

The possible deployment comes after a drone crashed at the base on Sunday, with no casualties and minimal damage. More drones were later intercepted.

Although the conflict in the region is now in its fourth day, no major Royal Navy warships are currently operating in or have been sent to the Middle East.

The HMS Duncan specializes in counter-drone operations. Last month, it took part in a test exercise off the coast of Wales involving swarms of drones.

If approved, the deployment would take several days.