UK plans to refit RFA Lyme Bay for Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing mission
UK plans to refit RFA Lyme Bay for Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing mission
UK plans to refit RFA Lyme Bay for Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing mission
The UK is considering a major refit of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Lyme Bay to support mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Secretary John Healey has ordered preparations for the vessel's potential deployment, though no final decision has been made. The RFA Lyme Bay is currently docked in Gibraltar for maintenance. If the refit goes ahead, the work will take place there before any deployment.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already announced reinforcements for the UK's Akrotiri base in Cyprus. Attack helicopters and the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon will join existing Wildcat helicopters to strengthen defences after recent drone attacks.
British officials are assessing plans to turn the Lyme Bay into a floating hub for autonomous mine-hunting drones. The move aims to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. However, public support for deeper UK involvement in regional tensions remains low, with only 22% of Britons backing potential strikes against Iran. The proposed refit would allow the Lyme Bay to operate uncrewed mine-detection systems in the Strait of Hormuz. While preparations are underway, the government has not yet confirmed whether the deployment will proceed. The focus remains on enhancing security in a key maritime corridor.