The Royal Navy will deploy uncrewed systems to help fend off surface threats and autonomous minesweepers as part of planned future Strait of Hormuz operations.
Defence Secretary John Healey has announced more details about the U.K. contribution to the planned Anglo-French-led mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.K. Government yesterday (Tuesday) hosted a virtual summit with representatives from over 40 nations to discuss plans for the maritime security mission, which is dependent on a lasting ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
Mr Healey revealed British assets earmarked to take part will include autonomous mine hunting and disposal systems, and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) acquired under Project Beehive.
Last month the RN took delivery of its second uncrewed minehunter delivered under the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme. The suite consisted of a 12-metre uncrewed surface vessel (USV) — RNMB Ariadne — a Towed Synthetic Aperture Multiviews (TSAM) sonar, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and a portable operations centre (e-POC).
And it revealed during the recent Exercise Trident Sprint that it had already taken delivery of its first K3 Scouts USVs from Kraken Technology Group under Project Beehive, which will see it acquire 20 of the drone boats. They are capable of 55 knots and suitable for both strike and ISR missions.
Both sets of uncrewed platforms are likely to be operated from RFA Lyme Bay, currently being upgraded by the Royal Navy at HMNB Gibraltar to act as a “drone mothership.”
Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, which carries the Sea Viper air defence system, has already been sent to the region ready to join the international safeguarding mission if and when required.
RAF Typhoon jets will also conduct air patrols over the Strait of Hormuz as part of the planned operation, it was announced.
Mr Healey commented: “The U.K. is playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and we are demonstrating that today with new cutting-edge kit to protect our interests and secure the Strait…. With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible.”
- You can read more details on the U.K. Government website