UK Deploys Drones, Jets, Warship to Secure Strait of Hormuz Amid Oil Risks

The UK announced on May 12, 2026, it will send autonomous mine-hunting drones, Typhoon fighter jets, and destroyer HMS Dragon to a multinational mission securing the Strait of Hormuz—through which ~20% of global oil flows—following Iran war disruptions that have curtailed shipping and lifted energy prices. Defence Minister John Healey backed the effort with £115 million ($155.5m) for drones and counter-drone systems, adding to over 1,000 UK personnel in the region. Earlier that day, BBC Verify reported 184 UK-sanctioned Russia-linked shadow fleet vessels, mostly oil tankers, made 238 transits through UK waters (25 March–11 May), with 94 entering territorial seas but no public evidence of boardings despite pledges.