UK Deploys Destroyer, Jets to Hormuz Mission

Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey announced on Tuesday that the United Kingdom will deploy a Type 45 destroyer, fighter jets, and autonomous systems to a multinational mission securing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.

The commitment came during a virtual summit of defence ministers from more than 40 nations, co-chaired by Healey and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin. The mission, led by Britain and France, aims to restore freedom of navigation through the strait, which carries about 20 percent of global oil and significant liquefied natural gas supplies. Participants discussed contributions for demining, ship escorts, and air policing in a strictly defensive operation.

Healey detailed the UK's package, including the destroyer HMS Dragon, already positioned in the region after weapons trials near Crete and equipped with the Sea Viper air defence system for countering drones and missiles. Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will conduct air patrols, while the support ship RFA Lyme Bay is being adapted as a mothership for uncrewed vessels. The deployment features autonomous minehunting equipment, high-speed Kraken drone boats via the modular...