UK to Scrap HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark, and More to Save £500 Million

Nov 20, 2024, 02:39 PM

Defence Secretary John Healey announced in the House of Commons that the UK will decommission several military assets, including five warships, dozens of military helicopters, and a fleet of drones, to save £500 million over the next five years. The decision includes the early retirement of Royal Navy flagships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, originally scheduled for 2033, as part of money-saving cuts to address financial pressures within the defence budget. The assets to be scrapped include two amphibious assault ships, the Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland, two fleet tankers, Mk1 Watchkeeper drones, 14 of the oldest Chinook helicopters, and 17 Puma helicopters. Healey stated that these cuts would free up funds for the military to invest in more modern equipment by removing outdated military capabilities.