UK pledges jets, drones and a warship for Strait of Hormuz defence mission
The UK's defence secretary said Britain will send Typhoon jets, drones and a frigate to support the Strait of Hormuz defence mission. The deployment will join a US-led multinational security coalition. Oil markets are watching the decision closely.
According to BBC, the UK defence secretary told parliament that Britain will send four Typhoon jets, naval and air-to-air drones, and a Type 23 frigate to join the multinational defence mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment will also provide escort cover for oil tankers transiting the strait.
The US-led coalition was expanded in recent months after two tanker incidents in the strait. Germany and the Netherlands are reportedly preparing similar support packages. The minister said the mission's aim was to safeguard commercial shipping and to head off a wider conflict.
Oil markets reacted cautiously to the announcement, with Brent trading in a narrow range. Analysts said additional international presence could ease shipping insurance premiums in the short term. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical waterway, carrying about one-fifth of global oil trade.
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