The mission involves the participation of more than 40 nations and wants to reopen the strait, closed by Iran in retaliation for the war
O announced, this Tuesday (May 12, 2026), the sending of a fleet of ships, jets and drones to contribute to the in the Strait of Hormuz. The measure was informed during the virtual summit of Defense Ministers and, later, in a official.
UK Defense Minister John Healey said aid will include autonomous naval mine detection and neutralization systems, unmanned boats and fighter jets. Typhoon for air patrols.
The operation is an initiative led by the United Kingdom and France and aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A meeting organized by Healey was held on April 22, in London, to agree on mission planning. More than 40 countries participate in the operation. According to the minister, the mission will begin when conditions permit.
“The UK is playing a leading role in the security of Hormuz, and we are demonstrating this today with new cutting-edge equipment to protect our interests and ensure the safety of the strait,” disse Healey.
The Strait of Hormuz was blocked by Iran after the of war against the United States, on February 28. The route is one of the busiest oil transport channels internationally. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas uses the canal.
Despite attempts to reach an agreement, neither the US nor Iran were satisfied with the suggested. One has been in effect since April, but Trump said the truce is “by a thread”. Both sides accused each other of the strait and break the established ceasefire.
Read the full statement from the UK Ministry of Defense:
The UK will contribute drones, jets and warships to the Strait of Hormuz Multinational Security Mission.
The Defense Secretary announced today, during the virtual Defense Ministers’ Summit, the United Kingdom’s contribution to the mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK will deploy state-of-the-art autonomous mine-seeking equipment and counter-drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and the warship HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The defensive mission, which will come into operation when conditions permit, is supported by new £115m funding for mine detection drones and counter-drone systems. During a virtual Defense Ministers’ Summit, with representatives from more than 40 nations involved in the Multinational Military Mission, the Defense Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s leadership, including as part of a multinational headquarters to coordinate efforts. The UK’s contribution to the multinational mission will include cutting-edge autonomous kit, as part of the Royal Navy’s transition to a Hybrid Navy. Other nations also took advantage of the virtual summit to announce their respective contributions in terms of capabilities to the Multinational Military Mission.
The UK package of measures will include:
- advanced, autonomous mine detection equipment, including capabilities to detect and neutralize mines.
- The Royal Navy’s modular “Beehive” system is capable of launching high-speed, autonomous Kraken unmanned speedboats, enabling the multinational force to detect, track and identify potential threats and neutralize them.
- British Typhoon fighters, with proven combat experience in the region, are ready to carry out aerial patrols over the Strait of Hormuz.
- British military advanced mine clearance experts, who have been preparing in the United Kingdom to carry out mine clearance operations.
- HMS Dragon is being sent to the Middle East to be ready for any security missions in the Strait of Hormuz. Its anti-drone systems include the state-of-the-art Sea Viper system.
These capabilities will enable the UK to make significant contributions should they be required.
