UK to send drones, jets and warship to join defensive mission securing Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) – Britain said on Tuesday it would contribute autonomous mine hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets and the HMS Dragon warship to a multinational defense mission aimed at securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense secretary John Healey announced the commitment during a virtual summit attended by more than 40 counterparts from other countries participating in the mission, saying it would operate when conditions allowed.
“Together with our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent and reliable,” he said in a statement.
The Iran war has sharply restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted oil exports and caused energy prices to rise. One fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait.
The UK’s contribution will be bolstered by 115 million pounds ($155.53 million) in new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems, as London seeks to reassure commercial shipping of its commitment to freedom of navigation amid rising regional tensions.
The package will include autonomous systems to detect and clear naval mines, high-speed drone boats, Typhoon jets for air patrols and “HMS Dragon”, an air defense destroyer currently en route to the Middle East.
Britain already has more than 1,000 personnel deployed in the region as part of existing defense operations, including counter-drone teams and fast jet squadrons.
($1 = 0.7394 pounds)
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, editing by William James)
