UK Considers Deploying Minesweeping Drones to Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

The UK government is evaluating the deployment of aerial minesweeping drones to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of oil exports. This consideration arises amid concerns that dispatching ships, as requested by U.S. President Donald Trump, could exacerbate regional tensions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce financial support for citizens affected by rising energy prices and will emphasize the importance of de-escalating the Middle East crisis. He stated, "We will continue to work towards a swift resolution of the situation in the Middle East. Because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living."

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the significance of reopening the strait, noting that various options, including mine-hunting drones, are under consideration. He mentioned, "All of these things are being looked at in concert with our allies... Any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at."

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil supply typically passes, has led to a surge in oil prices from approximately $65 to over $100 per barrel. Economists predict higher inflation and reduced growth as a result, contingent on the conflict's duration.

President Trump has called for multiple nations, including the UK, to deploy ships to the area to mitigate the threat posed by Iran. He posted, "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated."

In response, Prime Minister Starmer discussed the situation with President Trump, focusing on the impact of the strait's closure on international shipping. UK officials are considering the U.S. request but remain cautious about deploying ships due to the Royal Navy's current capacity and potential consequences.

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, recently departed Portsmouth for Cyprus and could be redirected to the Middle East. However, it is not expected to reach Cyprus for at least another week, delaying its potential arrival at the strait. Additionally, HMS Middleton, the UK's last minesweeping ship in the region, left Bahrain for maintenance shortly before the conflict began, raising questions about the UK's preparedness.

The government is also exploring the use of minesweeping drones, which can safely detonate mines by mimicking ship movements, and Octopus counter-drones, initially developed for Ukraine but potentially deployable in the Gulf.

Amid these developments, the government faces criticism from the opposition for not increasing defense spending. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused ministers of delaying the commitment to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. Internal Ministry of Defence figures indicate a decline in spending on counter-drones and missile defense in recent years. A spokesperson emphasized that defense spending has increased under the current government, highlighting investments in new technologies like the Dragonfire laser, slated for installation on Type 45 destroyers in 2027.