The Royal Navy has been left with just five key warships to defend Britain after HMS Iron Duke was quietly retired from active service. The frigate had its weapons and sensors removed with no major announcement, despite undergoing a £103 million refit just three years ago.
The vessel suffered numerous technical issues since 2017, requiring more than 1.7 million man-hours to bring it up to standard. Engineers had been stripping parts from the ship to use on other Royal Navy warships. HMS Iron Duke first entered service in the 1990s.
Royal Navy chiefs confirmed the withdrawal is part of an ongoing effort to replace older Type 23 frigates with more advanced Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. The service aims to introduce 13 new warships in the next few years.
General Richard Barrons criticised the government's failure to publish the Defence Investment Plan, stating the armed forces lack the funding to defend the homeland and contribute to NATO. He said spending had gone backwards and the plan remained on the Prime Minister's desk.
The Ministry of Defence stated that planned out-of-service dates are kept under review, balancing operational requirements and affordability. They added that the Strategic Defence Review is building a new hybrid navy with world-class submarines, cutting-edge warships, and autonomous vessels.
