UK: Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond joins western operation in Red Sea.

According to information published by the UK MoD on December 19, 2023, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond has recently joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, a newly formed international task force dedicated to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the strategically crucial Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond. (Picture source: Royal Navy)

The initiative is a response to illicit activities by non-state actors in international waters and includes contributions from several countries, including Bahrain, Norway, and the Seychelles.

The recent increase in Houthi attacks, utilizing ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems, has heightened concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea. This escalation has impacted global trade, prompting major shipping companies to alter their routes, leading to increased costs and extended transit times.

A virtual meeting involving Defence Ministers from various countries, including the UK and the US, was convened to discuss the situation and the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian. The ministers recognized the issue as a global problem with potential economic consequences and agreed on a collaborative approach to find a solution.

The UK's Defence Secretary highlighted the threats posed by these attacks to the global economy and regional security, and the potential impact on fuel prices. The deployment of HMS Diamond to the task force is part of a broader commitment to protect key maritime routes. HMS Diamond's role in the operation began following authorization on 30th November and included engaging and neutralizing a suspected attack drone in the Red Sea.

The operation illustrates the strategic importance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as vital routes for merchant shipping, including tankers supplying liquefied natural gas. It forms part of the broader Coalition Maritime Force (CMF) construct in the Gulf and aligns with the UK's long-standing maritime presence in the region under Operation Kipion.

HMS Diamond

Its primary detection system, the SAMPSON radar, is part of the Sea Viper air defense system, designed to track a range of targets, including small, fast-moving drones. The ship employs the Aster missile family for medium to long-range engagements against aerial threats like drones. For close-range threats, the ship is equipped with a Close-In Weapon System, providing a last line of defense.