'Hard but necessary decisions' for Royal Navy as two Type 23 frigates to be retired with Wildcat helicopters
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The Type 23 frigates are struggling with age and are in a deteriorating condition
Two old Royal Navy frigates are going to be retired as the force is being told to make “hard but necessary” choices.
The Defence Investment Plan (Dip) confirmed that the phased withdrawal of the Type 23 ships will run up until 2033. Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said two retirements will be made imminently due to the poor material state of the ships.
Outlined in the report, the Dip said resetting the shipbuilding pipeline and transforming the Royal Navy into a hybrid force of conventional warships and autonomous systems has ”forced hard but necessary decisions” to be made. It added that this included “the phased retirement of older Type 23 Frigates up to 2033 after decades of proud and faithful service, while at least seven new ships will come online during that period”.
The Duke-class frigates had been expected to be in service until 2035, but this has been pushed forward. Type 26 and 31 frigates are being built as their replacements, but they are still not due to be commissioned until the early 2030s. Former Top brass and naval experts have both warned that a shrinking fleet will limit the capabilities of the force.
The Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopters are also due to be replaced soon. These multi-role aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, equipment, and weapons, are designed to operate from frigates and destroyers.
Listed in the Dip under major investments through 2030 and 2035, The report confirmed an “autonomous replacement” will be found for the helicopters - effectively reconnaissance and strike drones.
It added: “Resetting the programme to deliver this transformation has forced hard but necessary decisions, including the phased early retirement of Wildcat Battlefield Reconnaissance helicopters from 2027 and the oldest Chinooks (Mk6A) as they reach maintenance milestones. This is offset by investment in Projects NYX and CORVUS, New Medium Helicopter and planned future purchases of newer Chinooks.”