Britain has committed autonomous mine-hunting systems, Typhoon fighter jets and the warship HMS Dragon to a multinational defensive mission intended to protect vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Defence said.
Defence minister John Healey revealed the contribution during a virtual summit with more than 40 defence counterparts from countries taking part in the mission. Healey said the planned operation will be "defensive, independent, and credible" and that it would become operational when conditions allow.
The UK's package comprises several elements. It includes autonomous platforms designed to detect and clear naval mines, high-speed drone boats for maritime tasks, Typhoon jets assigned to air patrols and HMS Dragon, an air defence destroyer already en route to the Middle East. The government said the deployment will be supported by new funding of 115 million pounds for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of sharply reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, which has disrupted oil exports and contributed to higher energy prices. The strait handles around one fifth of global oil shipments, a concentration that underpins why securing the passage is a priority for maritime and energy security.
London indicated the measures are intended in part to reassure commercial shipping of its commitment to freedom of navigation while regional tensions remain elevated. Separately, the UK already has more than 1,000 service personnel deployed in the region across existing defensive operations, a presence that includes counter-drone teams and fast jet squadrons.
For clarity on cost, the government cited the equivalent dollar figure for the new funding as part of its statement: 115 million pounds is equivalent to $155.53 million using the conversion noted in the announcement. The ministry provided no new timetable for when the multinational mission will move from planning into active operations, saying that will depend on conditions.
Contextual note: The UK described the mission as multinational and defensive; further operational details will be determined by participating nations and by evolving security conditions in the region.