The British government is considering the sale of two aging Royal Navy warships to free up funds for its defense modernization projects.
In a legislative inquiry, Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle confirmed that the landing platform docks HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are now awaiting disposal after being decommissioned by the previous administration.
Scrapping the warships, however, would still incur significant costs, as would recommissioning them.
As a result, the government is exploring the option of selling the ships to other countries, which would save the UK approximately 9 million pounds ($11 million) annually in maintenance costs.
“Both ships require costly and time-consuming refits, and as such, were not considered a cost-effective use of taxpayers’ money,” Eagle remarked.
Commentary:
The British (🇬🇧) Government has confirmed that they are seeking options to sell off the HMS Albion and/or HMS Bulwark.
The @marmilbr (🇧🇷) are rumored to have interest… pic.twitter.com/Krta0IGG2q
— SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 15, 2025
About the Vessels
Commissioned in 2003, HMS Albion is one of two Albion-class amphibious assault ships in the Royal Navy designed to transport troops and cargo.
With a displacement of around 19,560 tonnes (43 million pounds), the ship can carry tanks, armored personnel carriers, Chinook helicopters, and up to 400 fully equipped soldiers.
It has a top speed of 18 knots (33 kilometers/20 miles per hour) and a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometers or 9,206 miles).
HMS Bulwark shares the same displacement, speed, and range but is equipped with 30mm DS30M Mk2 cannons and machine guns for protection against aerial and surface threats.
Both ships were decommissioned in 2023 due to a lack of crew to maintain and operate them.
“As yet, no further decisions have been made regarding disposal plans for HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark, RFA Wave Knight, and RFA Wave Ruler,” the UK Ministry of Defence stated.
“As with all decommissioned ships, a full suite of options is being assessed to ensure that the disposal achieves value for money and is policy compliant.”
Brazil’s Interest
Brazil has emerged as a potential buyer for the Royal Navy warships, reflecting its goal to modernize its naval forces.
As the largest country in South America, Brazil has a vast coastline and substantial maritime resources, emphasizing the need to strengthen its naval forces.
If the sale proceeds, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark would enable the Brazilian Navy to rapidly deploy troops and support military operations both regionally and internationally.
