Britain will deploy autonomous mine
hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone
systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon as part
of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of
navigation in the 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.
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'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.
These capabilities will enable the UK to make meaningful
contributions to be should they be required.
Defence Secretary MP said:
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.
New funding for autonomous mine-hunting and counter-drone
systems, our advanced Typhoon
jets, and HMS Dragon are strong and
clear commitments – commitments to strengthen
the confidence of commercial shipping and reduce the
burden of the conflict on people at home.
With our allies, this multinational mission will
be defensive, independent, and credible.
HMS Dragon is already on her way to
the Middle East,
having undergone additional training and
preparation to ensure that her crew are
ready, including further calibrating her
advanced systems. This will ensure that the air
defence ship is ready for
potential future operations in the Strait.
RFA Lyme Bay also continues to be upgraded by the
Royal Navy to add new cutting-edge uncrewed
equipment, allowing it to be used as a ‘mothership' for
autonomous systems, if required for operations in the
Strait of Hormuz.
These contributions complement the UK's existing defensive
operations in the region, with over
1000 UK personnel across
the region, including counter-drone teams and fast
jet squadrons, which have played an important
role in protecting British nationals and our
partners in the region.
The multinational plan is strictly defensive in nature
and is designed to restore confidence for commercial shipping
along the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical
trade routes through which a fifth of the world's oil passes.
