HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers, has been placed on advanced readiness, with the crew told they must be prepared to leave Portsmouth within five days, the BBC reports. Defence sources said the ship’s “notice to sail” has been reduced from 14 days to five, a change the Ministry of Defence has now confirmed.

The move is likely to fuel speculation the carrier could be sent towards the Mediterranean to help protect UK interests as the Middle East conflict escalates — particularly after criticism that Britain has been slow to bolster defences around Cyprus following drone and missile threats.

The MoD said the UK has been strengthening its military posture in the region since January, including deployments to protect British personnel and allies. It said British jets have been operating in recent days to intercept drones, and that additional assets — including more Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters with counter-drone missiles — have been sent to reinforce air defences.

Prince of Wales is currently in Portsmouth undergoing routine maintenance ahead of a planned North Atlantic and Arctic deployment later this year, where the carrier strike group was expected to take part in Operation Firecrest with allies to deter Russian activity in the High North. The MoD said the ship has long been at high readiness, but its preparedness has now been increased further by shortening the time required to sail.