UK 'downgrades' military presence in Middle East

BRITAIN is to "downgrade" its military posture in the Middle East next month because it has run out of operational Royal Navy frigates, sources said last night.

- By Marco Giannangeli DEFENCE EDITOR

For the past three years, HMS Lancaster and two mine-hunting vessels have formed the core of Operation Kipion - the UK's long-running air and maritime presence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, intended to promote stability and ensure the free flow of oil and trade.

But when the ships leave the region next month at the end of their tour, they will be replaced only by a single autonomous mine-hunting system.

Based at HMS Jufair in Bahrain, HMS Lancaster - which carries Royal Marines and helicopters - has served as both a visible British presence and a key intelligence platform following Iran's increased aggression in the Strait of Hormuz.

The 4,900-ton type 23 frigate has also intercepted suspected arms smugglers en route to Yemen, countered piracy threats and helped Royal Marines seize more than £250million in illegal drugs across the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.