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UK Plans Royal Navy Mission to Clear Mines in Strait of Hormuz
(MENAFN) The United Kingdom is preparing to deploy a Royal Navy evacuation ship to the Strait of Hormuz, outfitted with autonomous drones for mine detection and clearance, according to reports.
Last week, British officials announced that RFA Lyme Bay, a Bay-class amphibious landing vessel currently in Gibraltar for routine maintenance, would be sent to the Mediterranean for training exercises.
However, sources cited by media reports indicated that Defense Secretary John Healey has approved contingency plans for the 580-foot ship to operate in the Strait of Hormuz to assist with mine-clearance operations if needed.
RFA Lyme Bay is expected to be equipped in Gibraltar with autonomous mine-hunting systems, including underwater drones and mine-detecting boats, allowing the vessel to act as a mothership for seabed scanning and disposal missions.
A defense source emphasized that “no decision” has been made regarding deployment, but the preparations provide ministers with options to help restore normal merchant shipping flows if necessary.
The vessel can accommodate up to 500 troops and includes onboard medical facilities and weapons systems. Previously, Royal Navy Mine and Threat Exploitation Group drones in the region were also considered to support operations aboard the ship.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s response to the Middle East crisis, stating that Britain “should be involved enthusiastically” in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, British officials announced that RFA Lyme Bay, a Bay-class amphibious landing vessel currently in Gibraltar for routine maintenance, would be sent to the Mediterranean for training exercises.
However, sources cited by media reports indicated that Defense Secretary John Healey has approved contingency plans for the 580-foot ship to operate in the Strait of Hormuz to assist with mine-clearance operations if needed.
RFA Lyme Bay is expected to be equipped in Gibraltar with autonomous mine-hunting systems, including underwater drones and mine-detecting boats, allowing the vessel to act as a mothership for seabed scanning and disposal missions.
A defense source emphasized that “no decision” has been made regarding deployment, but the preparations provide ministers with options to help restore normal merchant shipping flows if necessary.
The vessel can accommodate up to 500 troops and includes onboard medical facilities and weapons systems. Previously, Royal Navy Mine and Threat Exploitation Group drones in the region were also considered to support operations aboard the ship.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s response to the Middle East crisis, stating that Britain “should be involved enthusiastically” in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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