UK to Decommission HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark in £500 Million Defence Cuts

Nov 20, 2024, 02:56 PM

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has announced a series of defence cuts to address financial pressures in the defence budget, stating that 'we need a new era for UK defence'. The cuts include the decommissioning of six military capabilities, among them former Royal Navy flagships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, whose retirement has been brought forward from 2033 and 2034, respectively. HMS Northumberland, a Type 23 frigate, and two fleet tankers will also be retired. Additionally, the Army's Watchkeeper drone programme will be scrapped, along with 14 of the oldest Chinook helicopters and 17 Puma helicopters. The measures aim to save up to £500 million over the next five years, which will be reinvested in modernising the military. The decision comes amid rising global tensions and ongoing conflicts in Europe, prompting concerns about the impact of the cuts on the UK's defence capabilities.