The British government announced the details of the project on Tuesday. Mine countermeasure drones, Typhoon fighters and the HMS Dragon guided missile destroyer will be delivered to the region. This unit is already on its way to the Middle East, where it will be responsible for the air defense of the planned multinational operation.
The head of the Ministry of Defense, John Healey, noted in a statement that his country plays a vital role in protecting shipping in the region. To show this commitment, Great Britain is sending modern weapons to the strait to secure the route. The minister added that the mission will have a multinational and defensive dimension.
Healey also emphasized that the mission will launch “as soon as conditions allow”. The minister issued the statement after a virtual meeting with representatives of over 40 countries that are participating in preparations for the joint operation. The idea of establishing a coalition was announced in mid-April 2026 by Great Britain and France.
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Strait of Hormuz still blocked
The initiative is a response to the situation following the end of the armed conflict between the United States and Iran. Although a ceasefire has been formally in force between the two countries since April 8, 2026, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually paralyzed. Recently, there has been information about bilateral incidents in the region, including Iranian strikes on merchant ships.
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Negotiations for a lasting peace agreement are not making progress. Both sides reject each other's proposals, which extends the period of uncertainty in the region. It was this impasse that prompted the allies to take military action to stabilize the situation at sea.
Increase in oil and LNG prices
The blockade of the strait has serious consequences for the global energy market. Typically, 20 percent is transported via this route. world consumption of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). After shipping was suspended, the prices of these raw materials increased.
Over 1,000 British soldiers have taken part in the defense operations conducted so far in the region. They have drones and combat aircraft at their disposal. In parallel to the operations in the Strait of Hormuz, France is directing its flagship – the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle – towards the Red Sea, another strategic water body in the region.
