UK Deploys Destroyer HMS Dragon to West Asia Amid Strait of Hormuz Security Concerns

The UK defence ministry on Saturday announced the deployment of destroyer HMS Dragon to West Asia as part of preparations for a possible international mission aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The pre-positioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the UK is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France, to secure the strait when conditions allow,” a ministry spokesperson told AFP.

Officials said the deployment is intended to reassure commercial shipping operators and support mine-clearing operations following the recent conflict in the region.

The move comes weeks after Britain and France confirmed they were drawing up military plans to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

According to AFP, military planners from more than 44 countries met in London in April to discuss operational details of a UK- and France-led multinational mission focused on protecting navigation through the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, China on Saturday urged regional nations to take “concrete steps” to restore unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the safety of civilian vessels and crew members after reports emerged of an attack on a Chinese-owned oil tanker near the area.

Chinese media reported that an oil products tanker carrying the marking “CHINA OWNER & CREW” came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. Chinese nationals were reportedly on board, though no casualties were reported.

Separately, an Indian sailor was killed and several others injured on Friday after a wooden dhow carrying Indian crew members caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz.