Defence Secretary John Healey announced plans to retire outdated military equipment, saving up to £500m over five years.
The cuts, aimed at modernising the armed forces, come amid financial pressures despite increasing global threats like the Ukraine war.
Key Retirements:
- Royal Navy: HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark (amphibious assault ships), HMS Northumberland (Type 23 frigate), and two RFA supply ships.
- Royal Air Force: 17 Puma and 14 Chinook helicopters.
- Army: Fleet of 47 Watchkeeper drones, introduced just six years ago.
These cuts precede a spring defence review focusing on reallocating resources toward advanced, cost-effective technologies.
Critics argue the retirements risk weakening UK military readiness, particularly in light of Russia’s reliance on older systems in Ukraine.
However, the Ministry of Defence defends the decision as necessary to prioritise modern warfare capabilities.
Source:
Sky news
