Britain announced Tuesday it will contribute autonomous mine-hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets, and the warship HMS Dragon to a multinational defensive mission aimed at securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey told reporters, "Together with our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent, and credible. The mission will be funded by £115 million (approximately $146 million) from a special budget allocated to it."
Video: British destroyer HMS Dragon departs for the Middle East. Credit: Reuters
HMS Dragon is the fourth vessel in the Type 45. It was launched in November 2008 and entered service on April 20, 2012. It is equipped with cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and a suite of air-defense systems capable of engaging both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
Lithuania announced Monday that it will send a contingent of 40 sailors and crew members to take part in the international mission to defend the Strait of Hormuz. It remains unclear at this stage which other countries will join the force, who will lead it, and what its mandate will be for responding to Iranian provocations in the strait. It is also unclear whether the force is intended to begin operations before or after a deal is reached between Washington and Tehran.
