One of the UK’s most advanced warships is heading back to the Red Sea to protect global shipping from Houthi attacks.
Air Defence Destroyer HMS Diamond will take over from HMS Richmond, which joined the international coalition to protect commercial shipping from Houthi attacks in February.
At the weekend, HMS Richmond joined other coalition vessels to successfully repel a massive drone and missile attack launched by the Iranian backed rebels.
The British frigate shot down two attack drones using its Sea Ceptor missiles, the first time a UK warship had fired Sea Ceptor missiles in combat.
HMS Diamond is returning to the region after a short period of maintenance and resupply at the British naval base in Gibraltar
Reuters/PA
The deployment is part of the UK’s broader response to Houthi attacks, which has also included intercepting weapon-smuggling to Yemen.
Alongside HMS Richmond, another British type 23 frigate, HMS Lancaster is also patrolling the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
HMS Diamond is returning to the region after a short period of maintenance and resupply at the British naval base in Gibraltar.
Diamond previously operated in the region in December and January, maintaining a near constant presence in the highest threat areas of Red Sea.
The destroyer came under fire in three separate Houthi rebel attacks, and managed to destroy nine drones using her Sea Viper missile system and self-defence guns.
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Air Defence Destroyer HMS Diamond will take over from HMS Richmond
PA
HMS Richmond, which left Plymouth at the beginning of January, is designed for a variety of operations and its Sea Ceptor missile system is designed to protect against airborne threats.
After handing over to HMS Diamond, Richmond will return to the UK via Saudi Arabia for a period of maintenance and resupply.
She could return to the region again, depending on how the security threat evolves in the months ahead.
HMS Lancaster will remain in the region in support of HMS Diamond.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Protecting shipping around the World is one of the Navy’s key tasks and this deployment shows how our highly skilled sailors and advanced warships are helping to keep our sea lanes safe.
"Britain continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners."
The UK has joined US forces on three occasions in recent weeks, in carrying direct attacks on Houthi missile and drone systems in rebel controlled areas of Yemen.
Despite those military strikes, Houthi forces have continued to launch dozens of missiles and drones at commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
On March 6, the bulk carrier MV True Confidence was struck by missiles fired from Yemen, killing three crew members, the most serious incident since Houthi attacks began in October last year.
