HMS Dragon heads to Middle East as UK and France lead talks on reopening Strait of Hormuz

HMS Dragon is heading to the Middle East ahead of a multinational mission to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Type 45 air defence destroyer is being pre-positioned in the region as the UK and France prepare to host the first defence ministers' meeting on plans to reopen and secure the vital waterway.

Defence Secretary John Healey will co-chair the meeting with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin, with more than 40 nations expected to discuss military contributions.

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The mission is being planned as a defensive operation to restore confidence for commercial shipping after hostilities have ceased.

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most shipping, disrupting a route used for around a fifth of the world's oil supply.

HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper air defence system and could be used to help protect vessels, support mine-clearance efforts and provide reassurance to commercial shipping.

Mr Healey said: "The UK is leading this multinational, defensive mission because trade, energy, and economic security for working people here at home depend on it.

"We are turning diplomatic agreement into practical military plans to restore confidence for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"When I co-chair this meeting of nations from around the world, our job will be to make sure we are not just talking, we are ready to act.

"That is why I have directed HMS Dragon to the Middle East, so Britain is in position to support this mission the moment it is needed."

An MOD spokesperson said HMS Dragon's deployment was part of "prudent planning" to ensure the UK was ready to secure the strait as part of a multinational coalition once conditions allow.

The ship recently completed weapons and sensor testing at a Nato facility off Crete, including live-firing in high-threat conditions.

The UK also hosted military planners from 44 nations at Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood in April, as work continued on a coordinated plan for any future mission.

More than 500 additional air defence personnel remain in Cyprus, alongside Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, air defence systems and counter-drone equipment.