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Navy: Middle East

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 22 January 2026UIN 106665

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to replace HMS Middleton in the Middle East upon its return to the UK.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard UK interests. The Royal Navy remains committed to regional stability through its enduring presence under Operation KIPION, including the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of over 130 personnel. The Royal Navy’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous Mine Countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, continuing to innovate at pace.

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