UK will send Typhoon jets, drone boats and mine-hunting systems to 'secure' the Strait of Hormuz

Published: 19:17, 12 May 2026 | Updated: 19:21, 12 May 2026 UK drone boats and Typhoon jets will be deployed to the Gulf in the aftermath of a peace deal over the Strait of Hormuz. The commitments were confirmed by the Defence Secretary this afternoon after he hosted a virtual meeting of international ministers. John Healey, a key ally of under fire Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, spoke to around 40 allies from Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific. The uncrewed systems, the RAF jets and mine clearance specialists will enter the conflict zone following any peace deal between the United States and Iran. Previously US President Donald Trump has criticised the UK for failing to deploy ships and aircraft during the conflict itself. RAF Typhoon jets will conduct defensive sorties over the Strait to protect commercial vessels Defence Secretary John Healey chaired the summit of allies after attending this morning's crisis Cabinet meeting at Downing Street Speaking from Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) at RAF Northwood, Mr Healey told allies: ‘The crisis in the Middle East affects all our nations, our people, our companies and our economies. ‘We must meet this moment. We must have a hard focus on this crisis as the weeks and months ahead will define the fortunes of our economies over the next few years.’ Healey’s opening remarks also included references to the UK’s current political crisis and the dangers of instability, as he continued: ‘Our responsibility as political leaders, regardless of domestic politics, must be the protection of our people from this immediate crisis ahead. ‘We want to see the ceasefire strengthened, sustained and an end to the conflict. Iran cannot hold the Strait and the global economy hostage.’ Healey also stressed the Multinational Military Mission was ‘strictly defensive’. He added: ‘HMS Dragon is sailing to the region. ‘We will provide Typhoons ready to be re-tasked to fly defensive air patrols over the Strait, new drone boats and mine hunting systems and advanced Royal Navy mine clearance specialists. ‘The UK is stepping up to secure the Strait. We have a national interest and a national responsibility to do so.’ Healey also pledged £115 million in new funding for cutting-edge mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems. The uncrewed systems replaced the last Royal Navy minesweeper which was controversially withdrawn from the Gulf last year. The removal of HMS Middleton ended a continuous 23-year UK naval presence in the region and came just before the conflict between the United States and Iran began. The multinational operation begins relies on the United States and Iran agreeing a peace deal. Iran has threatened to attack British and French warships ahead of such an agreement. Earlier this afternoon the Defence Secretary posted his support for under fire Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Healey said: ‘People are worried about current conflicts and looming global crises. They expect their government to lead the country through, as the PM is doing. ‘More instability is not in Britain’s interest. Our full focus now must be on dealing with the immediate economic and security challenges. We must get on with the job restoring economic security for families here at home.’ HMS Dragon initially deployed to the Mediterranean weeks into the conflict amid political fury over the Royal Navy’s failing to commit any warships to the crisis. As the Mail revealed just days after arriving she was required to port for essential repairs, causing further embarrassment for Navy chiefs. Alongside French ships HMS Dragon will be responsible for safeguarding freedom of navigation across the 22-mile wide Strait, the world’s most critical chokepoint for energy supplies. Before the conflict began, 25 percent of the world’s seaborne oil trade and 20 percent of liquified natural gas was transported through its waters. In previous weeks military planners from 44 nations have been calculating how to protect commercial shipping. The UK mission is based at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) at RAF Northwood. Embattled Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also been involved in the mission with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The Strait remains closed, effectively, disrupting international shipping resulting in a spike in energy prices around the world. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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