The United Kingdom has announced the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets, military drones and a warship to take part in a multinational mission aimed at protecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil transport.
According to the website UK Defence Journal, the operation will be “defensive” in nature and is intended to ensure freedom of navigation in the region after months of tension involving Iran and attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf.
The UK confirmed that it will send the HMS Dragon, a Type 45-class destroyer, as well as autonomous mine-hunting drones and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for air patrol missions. The HMS Dragon is already on its way to the region.
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the mission seeks to demonstrate an “independent, credible and defensive” presence in the Middle East.
“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 confidence in commercial shipping and reduce the burden of conflict on people at home,” he said.
The mission will be jointly led by the United Kingdom and France and is expected to receive support from other allied countries. The goal is to restore maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz following the rise in military tensions involving Iran and the United States in the region.
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