The Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond is on her way to join Operation Kipion – the UK’s maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

The Ministry of Defence said HMS Diamond will be looking to bolster the UK’s naval presence in the Gulf as a powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to regional security and will “work to deter escalations from malign and hostile actors who seek to disrupt maritime security”.

HMS Diamond, which is being sent to East of Suez, will join HMS Lancaster, which deployed to the region last year, as well as three mine-hunters and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) support ship.

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‘Critical’ UK bolsters region presence 

HMS Diamond will conduct operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the region, reassure merchant vessels and ensure the safe flow of trade.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Recent events have proven how critical the Middle East remains to global security and stability.

“From joint efforts to deter escalation, following the onset of the renewed conflict in Israel and Gaza, to now the unlawful and brazen seizure of MV Galaxy Leader by the Houthis in the Red Sea – it is critical that the UK bolsters our presence in the region, to keep Britain and our interests safe from a more volatile and contested world.

“Today’s deployment will strengthen the Royal Navy’s patrols, help to keep critical trade routes open and prove that our commitment to regional security not only endures, but enhances.” 

Operation Kipion

HMS Diamond’s deployment follows increasing concerns over maritime security at narrow sea trade routes worldwide, known as chokepoints.

The ship is part of the UK’s commitment to supporting security in the region and the global maritime commons.

Op Kipion is the UK’s long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

In addition to HMS Lancaster, a squadron of three mine-hunting vessels, HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold, and HMS Middleton, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship RFA Cardigan Bay are also deployed as part of the operation.

Royal Navy vessels have been permanently deployed to the region since 1980 and have fallen under Operation Kipion since 2011.

Under the command of the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) in Bahrain, they work with allies and partners across the region, including under the Combined Maritime Forces partnership.

HMS Diamond is deploying with a Wildcat helicopter on board, a highly capable aircraft which has been central to HMS Lancaster’s activities since its deployment in 2022, including when it seized substantial quantities of illegal drugs and intercepted weapons being smuggled in international waters.

The waters of the Gulf are vital routes for merchant shipping, including for tankers carrying much of the UK’s supply of liquefied natural gas.

Around 50 large merchant ships each day pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, while around 115 major merchant ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.