[The UK to Deploy Unmanned Boats to the Strait of Hormuz]
According to "UK Defence Journal," the UK will dispatch the "Hive" system, equipped with high-speed unmanned boats known as "Sea Monster," to the Strait of Hormuz for escort missions. This marks the first time the Royal Navy has deployed autonomous surface vehicles in actual maritime security operations.
The UK media stated: The "Hive" system adopts a modular design, enabling different vessels to carry and operate it. Its core concept is leveraging numerous unmanned platforms to conduct surveillance, tracking, identification, and even attack missions, thereby effectively reducing the likelihood of warships directly entering high-risk zones. Since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz has become a high-risk area—Iran's missiles, drones, fast attack craft, and naval mines are no joke. Even the US military has so far refrained from large-scale deployments.
The UK believes that deploying multiple "Sea Monster" unmanned boats will allow for sustained monitoring coverage and enable operations deep within more dangerous waters, while simultaneously reducing crew fatigue and logistical pressure.
However, deploying unmanned boats thousands of miles away to the Strait of Hormuz requires a maritime platform. Specifically, which warship will the UK use to deploy these unmanned vessels? It is reported that the UK Royal Auxiliary Fleet’s "Lyme Bay" is currently undergoing upgrades and modifications, and can serve as an unmanned systems mother ship when needed. In the future, it will be equipped with the "Hive" system to carry and deploy the "Sea Monster" unmanned boats.
The UK’s decision to send unmanned boats to the Strait of Hormuz is clearly aimed at post-conflict escort duties. However, given the complex situation in this region and Iran’s firm stance on demanding "toll fees," the "Sea Monster" unmanned boats are likely to face combat challenges.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865525526462619/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.