The United Kingdom revealed plans on May 12 to send autonomous mine-hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets, and the air defence destroyer HMS Dragon to a multinational defensive mission securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2]. HMS Dragon is already en route to the Middle East to support the operation [1, 2].
The UK is backing its deployment with new funding of £115 million (about $152-156 million) for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems [1, 2]. Defense Secretary John Healey said, "New funding for autonomous mine-hunting and counter-drone systems, our advanced Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon are strong and clear commitments" [2].
Healey added, "With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible" and described the UK's role as "playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz" [1, 2]. The mission aims primarily to maintain freedom of navigation through the crucial waterway, which carries about 20% of the world's oil shipments [1, 2].
The UK currently has over 1,000 military personnel deployed in the Middle East, including fast jet squadrons and counter-drone teams supporting regional security [1, 2].
The multinational mission is led jointly by the UK and France and includes support from other allies. Australia announced on May 13 it will send a Boeing E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to support the operation. Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles said the deployment is "strictly defensive" and intended to complement diplomatic efforts and reduce the risk of escalation [3].
The mission follows a recent escalation in the region triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, which led to retaliatory actions and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8 but has not produced a lasting agreement [3].
With tensions still unresolved, the UK and its partners continue force deployments to protect maritime navigation and reduce the risk of further conflict in the critical oil transit route [1, 3].
