UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to secure Strait of Hormuz

The defensive mission, which would become operational when conditions allow, is backed by £115m new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.

The UK’s contribution to the multinational mission will include a cutting-edge autonomous kit, as part of the Royal Navy’s shift to a Hybrid Navy. Other nations also utilised the virtual summit to announce their respective capability contributions to the Multinational Military Mission.

The UK force package will include:

• Advanced autonomous mine hunting equipment, including capabilities to detect and defeat mines.
• The Royal Navy’s modular ‘Beehive’ system which can deliver high-speed, autonomous Kraken drone boats allowing the multinational force to sense, track, and identify potential threats and defeat them.
• UK Typhoon jets, battle-proven in the region, ready to conduct air patrols over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Advanced British military mine-clearance specialists, who have been preparing in the UK to conduct mine-clearing operations.
• HMS Dragon deploying to the Middle East to be ready for any mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. It’s counter drone systems include the cutting-edge Sea Viper system.

During a virtual summit of Defence Ministers, with representation from over 40 nations involved in the Multinational Military Mission, the Defence Secretary also reaffirmed the UK’s leadership, including as part of a multinational HQ to coordinate efforts.

The UK is playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and we are demonstrating that today with new cutting-edge kit to protect our interests and secure the Strait.

…said Defence Secretary John Healey MP.