The United Kingdom and France are currently co-leading a major multinational military planning conference aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Commencing on Wednesday 22 April 2026, the two-day event was hosted at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London. Military planners from more than 30 nations are in attendance to translate recent diplomatic consensus into a viable operational framework. The mission’s primary objective is to restore freedom of navigation through a critical maritime chokepoint that facilitates the transit of approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The planning sessions follow an international summit of 51 countries held in Paris, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron established the mandate for an independent, defensive multinational mission. This mission will focus on three core operational pillars: the protection of merchant vessels, the reassurance of commercial shipping operators, and the execution of comprehensive mine clearance operations. For businesses operating within the UK defence supply chain – particularly those specialising in maritime security, mine countermeasures (MCM), and autonomous underwater vehicles – the mission represents a significant requirement for advanced technical capabilities and sustained industrial support.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP stated that the conference is focused on the transition from diplomatic agreement to detailed military execution. The talks involve in-depth discussions on command and control (C2) structures, the specific military capabilities required for a sustained presence, and the logistical challenges of deploying forces to the region. The current closure of the Strait has significantly disrupted global supply chains and increased energy volatility, making the restoration of maritime security a priority for national and economic stability.
For prime contractors and sub-contractors, the emphasis on mine clearance and vessel protection suggests a growing demand for remote sensing technology, resilient naval communications, and rapid-response maritime assets. The MOD has indicated that the mission will seek to integrate the niche expertise of various partner nations, creating opportunities for UK firms to provide the interoperable systems necessary for such a diverse coalition. As the planning at Northwood concludes, the resulting military roadmap will guide the procurement and deployment of assets required to secure the Strait as soon as conditions allow. This project underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding international trade routes through high-level multinational coordination and the application of sovereign maritime engineering.
