UK prepares mine-clearing vessel for possible Strait of Hormuz deployment

Britain is preparing to deploy a Royal Navy evacuation vessel to the Strait of Hormuz, equipped with a fleet of autonomous drones designed for mine detection and clearance, according to the Sunday Times on Saturday, Anadolu reports. Last week, ministers said RFA Lyme Bay, an amphibious landing vessel currently undergoing routine maintenance in Gibraltar, would be sent to the Mediterranean for training exercises. However, sources cited by The Sunday Times, indicated that John Healey, the UK’s defense secretary, has authorized contingency plans for the 580-foot Bay-class ship to be sent to the Strait of Hormuz to support mine-clearance efforts. According to the report, RFA Lyme Bay will be equipped in Gibraltar with autonomous mine-clearance systems, including underwater drones and mine-hunting […]