Defence Minister John Healey revealed this commitment during a virtual summit attended by over 40 international counterparts involved in the mission, stating it would become operational when the situation permits.
“Together with our allies, this multinational initiative will be defensive, independent, and credible,” he remarked in a statement.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has significantly reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil exports and driving up energy prices. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through this crucial strait.
Britain’s contribution is supported by a new funding injection of £115 million ($155.53 million) for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone technology, as London aims to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation for commercial shipping amid escalating regional tensions.
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The support package will feature autonomous systems designed to locate and remove naval mines, high-speed drone vessels, Typhoon jets for aerial patrols, and HMS Dragon, an air defense destroyer currently en route to the Middle East.
Britain has already deployed over 1,000 personnel in the region as part of ongoing defensive operations, which include counter-drone units and fast jet squadrons.
