London, Jan 7 (ANI): Britain is sending its most formidable warship to the Persian Gulf amid threats by Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil shipping lane.
Naval commanders believe the deployment of HMS Daring, a Type 45 destroyer, will send a significant message to the Iranians because of the firepower and world-beating technology carried by the warship.
According to the Telegraph, HMS Daring has been fitted with new technology that will give it the ability to shoot down any missile in Iran's armoury.
The one-billion-pounds destroyer, which will leave Portsmouth next on Wednesday, also carries the world's most sophisticated naval radar, capable of tracking multiple incoming threats from missiles to fighter jets.
Daring, with its crew of 190, will transit through the Suez Canal and enter the Gulf later this month to replace the Type 23 frigate currently on station, the paper said.
A Navy source has indicated that more British ships could be sent to the Gulf if required. The second Type 45, HMS Dauntless, will also be available to sail at short notice, the source revealed.
Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, which served as the conduit for 17 millions barrels of oil every day last year.
According to the report, UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond had earlier publicly warned Iran that any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be "illegal and unsuccessful". (ANI)
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