Middle East: Merchant Shipping
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the armed forces' current operational posture is for protecting merchant shipping in the Middle East and adjacent sea lanes; and what role Royal Navy frigates are undertaking within that posture.
Answered by Al Carns
The Government keeps deployments and force posture under constant review. I cannot comment further for reasons of operational security.
Securing maritime trade in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz requires a combined international effort. The UK with France is leading that effort, with representatives from over 40 nations, not just NATO members, attending the Defence Ministers meeting on the 12 May.
Planning for the independent and defensive Multinational Military Mission continues. The mission will be distinct from any other military campaign and will commence only when conditions permit, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade and freedom of navigation. The UK has committed autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and the destroyer HMS Dragon.
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