The UK is stepping up preparations to support mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with ministers highlighting new capabilities and ongoing multinational planning.
In response to a private notice question in the House of Lords, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said efforts are underway to restore and maintain freedom of navigation in the strategically vital waterway.
“We continue to convene efforts towards restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is of vital importance to the UK,” he said.
RFA Lyme Bay is being equipped to act as a mothership for autonomous mine countermeasure systems.
The update follows a meeting convened by the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters on 7 April involving around 30 nations, focused on safeguarding shipping routes in the region.
During the exchange, former First Sea Lord Lord West of Spithead warned against any disruption to the Strait, describing it as a critical international waterway, and pointed to the UK’s expertise in minehunting.
He also suggested closer coordination with Oman, noting that key deep-water shipping routes into and out of the Gulf pass through Omani rather than Iranian waters. The government said it is working with allies on a coordinated multinational approach to protect international shipping, including plans to co-host a summit with France to develop that framework.
We’re fighting to stay relevant.
With the US military unable to keep the straits open and mine free, what can you expect from the UK. The US caused this mess, they should clear it up.
They’re Iranian mines, mate.
It’s an American war. Was the Strait mined before Trump and the big Yahu started bombing schools?
All down to the Dumtwaddlechump and his over inflated ego.
The question is: Are there ships, maritime drones, and the capacity within the Royal Navy to do this? This administration’s approach is both pathetic and comical, but there’s no sign of increasing the already ridiculously small naval forces. What’s the point of having two aircraft carriers if there aren’t any ships to escort them? Perhaps that’s the justification they’re looking for to sell one of them. If the U.S. Navy is so busy clearing mines from the Strait, what can a navy that’s been reduced to a bare minimum possibly do?
An RFA with basic damage control and Phalanx in a war zone. I bet the crews are thrilled. One thing to be accompanied by a couple of Type 45, 23 and continuous Typhoon cap , the other to be put on offer for a limp beta male PM who hasn’t released his fully coated DIP.