UK boosts military presence in Strait of Hormuz with jets and drones
John Healey (Photo: Getty Images)
British Defense Secretary John Healey has announced that his country will provide mine-hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets, and a warship to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.
"With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible," Healey said during an online conference attended by more than 40 of his counterparts from other countries taking part in the mission.
According to Reuters, Britain's contribution will be backed by an allocation of $153.54 million to purchase mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.
The package will include autonomous systems for detecting and neutralizing naval mines, high-speed unmanned boats, Typhoon fighter jets for air patrols, and the destroyer HMS Dragon, equipped with air defense systems, which is already on its way to the Middle East.
As part of relevant defense operations in the region, more than 1,000 British military personnel are already deployed, including counter-drone teams and fighter squadrons.
Explaining Britain's motivation, Reuters writes that London seeks to reassure commercial shipping interests of its commitment to freedom of navigation amid rising regional tensions.
However, according to Healey, the mission will begin operating only when conditions permit.
Strait of Hormuz
For reference, after the start of military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has remained practically closed throughout this time. This, in turn, has reduced oil supplies, causing global reserves to dwindle.
According to Bloomberg, global oil reserves have begun to decline rapidly, and Morgan Stanley reports that in March–April global oil reserves decreased by nearly 4.8 million barrels per day.
The greatest risks of shortages have emerged in oil-importing Asian countries and in Europe. In particular, jet fuel reserves in Europe are rapidly dwindling.
