Turkey has procured the sixth Duke-class frigate from the Royal Navy following its deactivation from service.
The HMS Monmouth (F235) was employed in 1993 and had exceeded its intended lifespan, making it costly to repair and overhaul for additional years of deployment.
It will be recycled in Turkey as part of London’s initiative to promote sustainability over the disposal of the British military’s assets.
The vessel was purchased by Izmir-based materials processing and salvage company Leyal Gemi Sokum Sanayi Ve Ticaret following its selection through a bid from European recycling yards.
UK Defence Equipment & Support Exports and Sales Head Richard Whalley, who also served as a lieutenant on Monmouth in its early years, emphasized that Turkey’s acquisition is a “fitting end” for the Royal Navy capability “that has served the nation well.”
“It is always a sad day when you see a ship that was a significant part of your life heading for disposal but I am happy at least that the sale of HMS Monmouth for recycling in Turkey will provide an ethical and responsible method of recovering metals and other valuable assets which provides a financial return for the Royal Navy,” Whalley commented.
Warship Replacements Soon
The 133-meter (436-foot) Duke frigates, also called Type 23 systems, were first introduced in 1987 and had 16 vessels in the class.
Currently, the British government is working on eight new City-class (Type 26) frigates in Glasgow to take on the role of the Dukes.
Alongside the anti-submarine warfare function primarily offered by the retiring ships, the new platforms will incorporate advanced and flexible capabilities to support improved nuclear deterrence and carrier strike group assistance.
The City-class will also interoperate with five Inspiration-class (Type 31) frigates being built in Scotland for gaps in general-purpose tasks that will be left by the Dukes, including maritime interception, intelligence, defense engagement, and other assistance missions for allies and partners.
BAE Systems is on track to assemble the City and Inspiration fleets. The ships are scheduled for delivery through the 2030s.
