The United Kingdom is considering deploying a Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing ship to the Middle East as part of Western efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Times.
The vessel, RFA Lyme Bay, is expected to be equipped with mine-clearing capabilities amid concerns over potential threats to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
The move comes despite Iran primarily relying on drones and missile systems in the region, raising questions about the ship’s ability to operate safely without robust air defense support.
Military analysts suggest that Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers could be assigned to escort the vessel and provide air cover. However, concerns remain over their capacity to counter large-scale drone or missile attacks.
The development follows mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump on NATO allies, including the UK, to take a more active role in securing maritime routes in the Persian Gulf.




