Britain deploying drones, jets and warships to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

"Autonomous mine-hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets and the warship HMS Dragon will be contributed to the mission as part of £115m of new funding for the operation."

The mission is being backed by new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.

Mr Healey continued: "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.

"These are strong and clear commitments – commitments to strengthen the confidence of commercial shipping and reduce the burden of the conflict on people at home."

HMS Dragon is already on her way to the Middle East, with the crew having undergone additional training and preparation to ensure they are equipped to aid in reopening the Strait.

The Royal Navy will contribute the modular "Beehive" system which the Government has said "can deliver high-speed, autonomous Kraken drone boats allowing the multinational force to sense, track, and identify potential threats and defeat them."

The Government have confirmed that the additional measures will become operational when "conditions allow."

RFA Lyme Bay is also undergoing continuous upgrades as by the Royal Navy to add cutting edge uncrewed equipment, which will see it used as a "mothership" for autonomous systems, should it be required in the key shipping route.

The announcement was made at a virtual summit of the over 40 countries involved in the Multinational Military Mission.

The waterway currently remains effectively shut to commercial traffic, causing major disruption to approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.

Rising energy costs, fractured supply chains and increased expenses for households and businesses across the UK and worldwide have resulted from the ongoing closure of this critical shipping route.

HMS Dragon carries the Sea Viper air defence system, enabling it to make a substantial contribution to protecting commercial vessels and supporting mine-clearance operations after hostilities conclude.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Healy said: "The UK is leading this multinational, defensive mission because trade, energy, and economic security for working people here at home depend on it."

He added: "We are turning diplomatic agreement into practical military plans to restore confidence for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"This Government will not stand by when instability drives up costs for British families and businesses."

He concluded: "We will give people hope for the future by securing Britain and our national interests."

It has been reiterated that the mission remains strictly defensive in character.

Its primary objective being the restoration of confidence for commercial shipping along the Strait once conditions permit.

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