The Royal Navy's frigate fleet has been reduced to just five vessels following the withdrawal of HMS Iron Duke, which is being retired due to persistent technical problems. The warship, which underwent a £103 million refit just three years ago, has suffered from issues since 2017, requiring over 1.7 million man-hours in repair efforts. This drain on the Navy's budget comes amid heightened concerns over the UK's defence capabilities.
Impact on Royal Navy Capabilities
The Royal Navy confirmed the retirement as part of a broader plan to replace aging Type 23 frigates with more advanced Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, with a total of 13 new warships promised in the coming years. Last week, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins announced plans for a 'Hybrid Navy' integrating drone ships with crewed vessels and submarines. HMS Iron Duke, which was over 30 years old, had recently been used as a source of spare parts for other ships. When operational, it was a versatile asset, escorting Russian ships through the English Channel and supporting humanitarian missions.
Defence Advisors Criticise Government
The retirement follows criticism from US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the state of the Royal Navy. Additionally, the only ship deployed to the Gulf in response to tensions with Iran, HMS Dragon, recently underwent urgent repairs. Retired General Sir Richard Barrons, a former advisor to Defence Secretary John Healey, launched a scathing attack on the government, stating that the Ministry of Defence is going 'backwards' on military investment. Barrons, who co-authored the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), said the Army has no money for new weapons before 2030 and only just enough for conventional platforms like helicopters. He criticised the failure to publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which remains on the Prime Minister's desk.
Other Advisors Voice Concerns
Former NATO Secretary General George Robertson also called for urgent recapitalisation of the armed forces, while foreign affairs advisor Fiona Hill criticised the lack of urgency in putting the UK on a war footing. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartilidge urged the government to reallocate funds from the Chagos Islands lease deal to bolster military spending, warning of a capability gap in the Royal Navy as new frigates remain years away.
Ministry of Defence Response
The Ministry of Defence stated that out-of-service dates are kept under continual review, balancing operational requirements and affordability. It emphasised that through the SDR, the UK is building a new hybrid navy, investing in submarines, cutting-edge warships, and autonomous vessels for the North Atlantic and beyond.
