London, United Kingdom — In response to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Royal Navy has received government approval to dispatch the £3.5 billion aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the region. The move comes as the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist group has threatened increased “self-defense” attacks on US and British warships operating in the Red Sea.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin had initially urged the deployment of one of the UK’s £3.5 billion aircraft carriers at the onset of the Red Sea crisis in October. However, the government opted to send RAF Typhoons based in Cyprus instead, a decision that faced criticism from naval officers who deemed the RAF’s contribution as “token” and “not sustainable.”

The Houthi rebels, who control significant areas of Yemen, have been conducting attacks on ships in and around the Red Sea. Their actions are purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The group’s threats prompted the Royal Navy’s decision to send HMS Queen Elizabeth, marking a strategic response to safeguard British interests and regional stability.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is now operating at its highest readiness, coinciding with upcoming NATO exercises in the region scheduled for Sunday. The deployment underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence in critical geopolitical areas and ensuring the protection of maritime routes amid evolving threats.

As the situation unfolds, the deployment of the aircraft carrier is poised to contribute significantly to the UK’s maritime capabilities in the Middle East, addressing concerns raised by military officials about the need for a more substantial and sustainable naval presence in the region.