Royal Navy frigate, destroyer deploy for operations in Middle East, Asia Pacific

Royal Navy Type 23 frigate and Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender got underway from Portsmouth on Sunday to deploy for operations in the Persian Gulf and Asia Pacific.

HMS Kent will relieve destroyer HMS Duncan of her duties in the Gulf and is scheduled to work alongside US partners as part of the newly-formed International Maritime Security Construct.

She will be focused on providing regional maritime security, including counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling activities.

She will also work alongside HMS Montrose to escort British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s seizure of British-flagged tanker Stena Impero earlier this year.

HMS Defender, a Type 45 destroyer, is deploying to the Asia Pacific region. The ship will take part in maritime security patrols aimed at protecting vital trade routes as part of a long-standing 30-nation maritime force. The Asia Pacific region is increasingly important to the UK for prosperity with more than one third of UK trade by value travelling from this area.

“This is an opportunity for HMS Defender to demonstrate the global reach of the Royal Navy as well as the UK’s commitment to building relationships and maintaining stability in the Asia Pacific region,” HMS Defender CO, Commander Richard Hewitt, said.