In a May 12 statement, the UK Ministry of Defense announced its contribution to “a multinational mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” Defense Secretary John Healey set out a force package that includes Typhoon fighter jets, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, autonomous mine-hunting equipment, and counter-drone systems at a virtual summit of over 40 defense ministers. RFA Lyme Bay, a Royal Navy auxillary vessel, is also being upgraded to serve as a mothership for autonomous systems should it be required for operations in the strait. The announcement is backed by £115 million in new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems. The MoD claims that the mission is strictly defensive and independent, and would become operational only when conditions in the region allow.
Iran has already warned that any foreign naval presence in the strait will be met with a “decisive response,” with Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Gharibabadi posting on X that British and French warships “will be met with a decisive and immediate response from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore, they are strongly advised not to complicate the situation further.”