The UK has sent the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
The warship’s deployment comes as British and French defence ministers are set to co-host the first meeting of a coalition focused on the strategic waterway.
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HMS Dragon, supported by Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron armed with Marlet missiles, will contribute to securing navigation in the region. Using its Sea Viper missile system, the ship will safeguard UK interests and provide air defence.
In a statement issued on 11 May, the Royal Navy said the vessel’s mission is intended to support a coalition task force and could assist in operations to restore freedom of passage along the vital trade route, once hostilities subside and a sustainable ceasefire is in place.
Defence Secretary John Healey and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin are leading discussions today with representatives from over 40 countries on the planned defensive operation.
The meeting will address measures to reassure the shipping industry and support mine-clearance efforts.
HMS Dragon previously operated in the eastern Mediterranean, where it defended UK air bases in Cyprus after an incident involving a drone strike in March.
The ship has recently completed weapons and sensor exercises at a Nato facility near Crete, with the crew carrying out live-fire drills to ensure operational readiness.
HMS Dragon commanding officer Commander Iain Giffin said: “Following our time defending Cyprus, Dragon has proven that she is ready and able to integrate with Tri-Service colleagues and international allies to conduct coordinated air defence and reassurance operations.
“Operating up threat from Cyprus, my crew have done an outstanding job maintaining a persistent state of readiness inside the high threat zone, poised to react and defeat anything threatening the Island.”
The Royal Navy’s deployment of HMS Dragon follows the arrival of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Red Sea, in preparation for joint operations.
According to a BBC report, HMS Dragon is the first Royal Navy vessel sent to the Middle East since the start of conflict involving Iran.
Recently, the UK Ministry of Defence reported spending £218.6m out of the £405m allocated for the Sea Viper Capability One programme, an initiative to upgrade the Type 45 destroyers with improved ballistic missile defence capabilities.
