London [UK], March 30 : A British Royal Navy landing ship is to be fitted with minesweeping drones as ministers weigh their options for helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The plans will see RFA Lyme Bay fitted with high-tech kit to enable it to act as a "mothership" for underwater drones and crewless minehunting boats. It is understood that the refit is part of the Navy's plans to use autonomous minehunters to help clear the vital Strait of Hormuz, should such an operation become necessary.
The UK is currently working with allies on developing military plans for reopening the strait, a crucial shipping route for oil and gas that has been effectively blockaded by Tehran. Donald Trump had demanded allies send warships to the region to help reopen the strait, but Western nations have so far declined to do so.
Source: Qatar Tribune
