USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea on April 16, 2026. The warship’s embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support | Photo: U.S. Navy
The governments of United Kingdom and France are set to host the first meeting of defence ministers for a planned multinational mission aimed at reopening and securing the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, more than 40 nations are expected to participate in the discussions, which will focus on military contributions to a defensive maritime mission intended to restore confidence in commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey will co-chair the meeting alongside French Minister Catherine Vautrin. The talks follow recent planning sessions involving military representatives from 44 countries and an earlier summit involving UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The UK government also announced that the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East region to support potential future operations linked to the mission.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said, “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. This government will not stand by when instability drives up costs for British families and businesses. We will give people hope for the future by securing Britain and our national interests.”
The Ministry of Defence said the mission is intended to remain defensive in nature and would focus on protecting commercial shipping and supporting maritime security once hostilities in the region have ended.
HMS Dragon is equipped with the Sea Viper air defence system and recently completed weapons and sensor testing at a NATO facility near Crete. The ministry said the testing included live-fire exercises and operational readiness drills under simulated high-threat conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil exports. The UK government said disruption to shipping traffic through the strait has contributed to higher energy prices and supply chain pressures affecting businesses and consumers internationally.
Military planners from participating nations are expected to continue coordinating contributions and operational planning following the defence ministers’ meeting.
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