UK Minehunting Force Arrives in Middle East as Multinational Hormuz Mission Takes Shape

The United Kingdom’s specialist mine countermeasures force has arrived in the Middle East, marking a significant step toward restoring commercial confidence in the Strait of Hormuz as Western allies prepare for what could be a lengthy multinational effort to make the vital shipping lane safe for normal trade once again.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Lyme Bay safely transited the Red Sea escorted by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon and accompanied by German naval vessels, carrying more than 270 personnel and an array of advanced autonomous mine-hunting systems intended to locate and neutralize mines without placing sailors directly in