UK to contribute jets, drones and warship to Strait of Hormuz defence mission

The UK has said it will contribute drones, fighter jets and a warship to a joint mission aimed at safeguarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Defence minister John Healey announced the package at a virtual summit of defence ministers on Tuesday.

The contribution includes autonomous systems to detect and clear naval mines, drone boats and Typhoon jets for air patrols.

The Ministry of Defence said the multinational mission was announced last month by the UK and France and involves more than 40 nations.

The package is backed by £115m in new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.

The ministry said the mission is strictly defensive and intended to restore confidence for commercial shipping along the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest oil shipping channels, with about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it.

Any disruption can have wider effects on energy markets and shipping routes.

The ministry said more than 1,000 British personnel are already deployed in the region as part of existing defensive operations, including counter-drone teams and fast jet squadrons.

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