UK to deploy drones, jets and warship in Strait of Hormuz defence operation

The United Kingdom said on May 12 it will deploy autonomous mine-hunting systems, Typhoon fighter jets and the warship HMS Dragon as part of a multinational defensive operation designed to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

Defence Minister John Healey made the announcement during a virtual meeting with over 40 defence counterparts from countries participating in the mission, which he said would be activated once conditions permit.

"With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible," he said in a statement.

The move comes as tensions linked to the Iran war have significantly reduced maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil shipments and driving up global energy prices. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the waterway.

London’s contribution will be supported by £115 million ($155.53 million) in new funding aimed at expanding mine-hunting drones and counter-drone capabilities, as the UK seeks to strengthen assurances to commercial shipping on freedom of navigation amid rising regional instability.

The package includes autonomous naval systems designed to locate and neutralise sea mines, fast unmanned vessels, Typhoon aircraft for air surveillance missions, and HMS Dragon, an air defence destroyer already en route to the Middle East.

The UK already maintains more than 1,000 military personnel in the region under existing defensive deployments, including counter-drone units and fast jet squadrons.

By Jeyhun Aghazada