Britain to send warship, fighter jets in multinational Hormuz operation

LONDON -- Britain will deploy a warship, fighter jets and autonomous systems as part of a multinational security mission in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said on Tuesday.

British Defence Secretary John Healey announced the plan following a virtual meeting of defence ministers involving representatives from more than 40 countries.

According to the MOD, Britain will provide 115 million pounds ($156 million) in new funding for autonomous mine-hunting equipment and advanced counter-drone systems.

The Royal Navy will also deploy its modular "Beehive" system and high-speed autonomous Kraken drone boats designed to detect, track and identify potential threats. Typhoon fighter jets will conduct air patrols, while British military mine-clearance specialists will support related operations.

The MOD described the multinational mission as "strictly defensive in nature" and aimed at protecting international shipping. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, through which around one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.