Britain Deploys One of the Most Advanced Warships in the World to the Gulf, Minister of Defense Shapps: Middle East is Important

JAKARTA - The dynamics occurring in the Gulf region and the Hamas-Israel conflict have prompted Britain to send one of the most sophisticated warships in the world to the region, with the country's defense minister assessing the Middle East as important for global security and stability.

Britain sent a second warship to the Gulf, one of its functions was to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from developing into a wider conflict.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said the deployment of the destroyer HMS Diamond (034) was vital, following the seizure of Israeli ships in the southern Red Sea by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels, and increased activity by Somali pirates.

He said the destroyer would join Operation Kipion, Britain's maritime presence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean, to help ensure freedom of navigation in the region, reassure merchant ships and guarantee the safe flow of trade.

Previously, the British naval force stationed there was HMS Lancaster (F229), which had been in the Gulf since last year with three mine hunters.

The mission also aims to prevent regional tensions from escalating after the temporary ceasefire ends, when an Israeli ground invasion could become more intense and potentially drag Iran or associated groups into the conflict.

"Recent events have proven how important the Middle East is to global security and stability," said Minister Shapps, as reported by The National News 1 December.

“From concerted efforts to prevent escalation, following the start of new conflicts in Israel and Gaza, to the unlawful and brazen seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader by the Houthis in the Red Sea, it is vital that the UK strengthens our presence in the region. this region, to keep the UK and our interests safe from a more volatile and competitive world," he explained.

"Today's deployment will strengthen British Royal Navy patrols, help keep vital trade routes open and prove that our commitment to regional security is not only enduring, but increasing," he said.

HMS Diamond, described by the Royal Navy as one of the world's most advanced warships, is equipped with state-of-the-art military sensors and a range of advanced weapons systems, which can detect and destroy threats in the air, surface and underwater.

The ship's primary role is to provide air defense using the Sea Viper anti-air missile system, which detects enemy threats from long distances, tracks them and neutralizes them if necessary, according to the Royal Navy.

The ship is also equipped with Wildcat helicopters, providing support to HMS Lancaster and minehunting vessels already in the area and working to keep shipping lanes open.

Britain previously sent a logistics support ship, RFA Lyme Bay, and RFA Argus, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary emergency medical ship, to the region to show support for Israel.

It is known that the Red Sea, which stretches from the Suez Canal in Egypt to Bab Al Mandeb which separates the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, is the main trade route for global shipping and energy supplies.

Previously, the US Navy had stationed several ships in the sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, increasing tensions in the region.