Operation KIPION explained: Protecting shipping lanes in the Gulf
Operation KIPION explained: Protecting shipping lanes in the Gulf

The Royal Navy has been present in the Gulf for more than 30 years securing the safe flow of trade goods, here are three things you need to know about the deployment Ministry of Defence Follow Dec 19, 2020 · 4 min read

Following the start of the Iran–Iraq War in September 1980, tensions were high in the region and a result the Gulf became an unstable and fragile area.

Since then, the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been on patrol in the region 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Operation KIPION is the name given to the Royal Navy’s presence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.

The protection that the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary give in the Gulf is pivotal. If the flow of ships and cargo in the region stops it will impact on everyone in the UK and more widely around the world.

Here are three things you need to know:

1. Why are we there?

In August 1980 through to 1988 a prolonged military conflict occurred between Iran and Iraq. The conflict at main was a large-scale ground-war, which resulted in many thousands of deaths on both sides.

But it was the naval aspect of that war which caused many of the issues that affect us to this day, in particular attacks on merchant shipping and oil tankers.

Many civilian seamen lost their lives and shipping vessels and oil tankers were damaged, causing large economic loss across the world.

The United Kingdom has enjoyed strong political, commercial and trading links in the Gulf region for decades, with 95% of Britain’s economic activity depending on the oceans.

Along with tension in the region, another legacy of the Iran–Iraq War is the large number of mines sown in and around the Gulf.

Promoting peace and security in the region helps to ensure the safe flow of oil and trade.
['Ministry Of Defence']
['Iraq', 'Military', 'Iran', 'Shipping', 'UK']