Britain will deploy autonomous mine-hunting equipment, counter-drone systems, Typhoon fighter jets and the destroyer HMS Dragon as part of a future multinational mission aimed at securing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The planned mission, which London said would become operational “when conditions allow,” is backed by 115 million pounds ($153 million) in new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone capabilities, according to the ministry.
The announcement came during a virtual summit attended by defence ministers and representatives from more than 40 nations involved in the proposed multinational military mission. British Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the UK’s leadership role, including participation in a multinational headquarters coordinating the operation.
Britain said its contribution would include advanced autonomous mine-hunting systems capable of detecting and neutralising naval mines, as well as the Royal Navy’s modular “Beehive” system, which deploys autonomous Kraken drone boats to identify and counter potential threats.
The UK will also provide Typhoon fighter jets for air patrols over the Strait of Hormuz, specialist military mine-clearance teams and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, equipped with the Sea Viper air defence and counter-drone system.
“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,” Healey said in a statement released by the ministry.
He said the mission, alongside allies, would be “defensive, independent and credible,” adding that the mission aimed to strengthen confidence in commercial shipping and ease the impact of regional conflict on people in Britain.
The ministry said HMS Dragon was already en route to the Middle East after additional operational preparations, while support ship RFA Lyme Bay was being upgraded to operate as a “mothership” for autonomous systems if required.
Britain currently maintains more than 1,000 military personnel across the region, including counter-drone teams and fast-jet squadrons, according to the ministry.
The proposed multinational mission is intended to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important trade routes, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, according to the ministry.