HMS Bulwark operational future still uncertain under new Gov

The operational future of HMS Bulwark remains uncertain as the new government continues the previous administration’s approach of keeping the amphibious assault ship in extended readiness, only to be deployed “if required.”

Recent statements from the Ministry of Defence confirm that, despite ongoing regeneration work, the vessel is unlikely to return to regular service unless deemed necessary for defence operations. This mirrors the position under the previous government, which had already shifted expectations away from a clear timeline for the ship’s return to active duty.

In response to a question raised by Andrew Rosindell MP on 14th October 2024, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, reiterated that “one Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship has been held in extended readiness since 2010 so that she can be regenerated if required.” She further explained that HMS Albion has now taken HMS Bulwark’s place in extended readiness, allowing HMS Bulwark to undergo regeneration. “Once regenerated, she can be ready to deliver defence outputs if required,” she added.

However, no specific timelines or forecasts for the ships’ availability were provided.

This echoes statements made earlier in the year by James Cartlidge, then Minister of State for Defence under the previous government, who also suggested that HMS Bulwark’s return to active service was conditional. Cartlidge had noted that the ship would be “regenerated from extended readiness and maintained so that she can be ready to deliver defence outputs if required,” implying that the vessel’s operational future would depend on strategic needs rather than a set schedule.

HMS Bulwark had initially been expected to return to regular service in 2023, with clear timelines for its regeneration and maintenance. However, this commitment has shifted over time, with the emphasis now on maintaining the ship’s readiness for deployment only if necessary.

This approach, described by some as “extended readiness under a different name,” has led to uncertainty about the long-term future of the Albion-class assault ships.

While HMS Bulwark and its sister ship HMS Albion remain valuable assets for the Royal Navy, their fluctuating operational status highlights ongoing questions about the UK’s amphibious warfare capabilities and the crewing concerns required to maintain them.

Despite public outcry and media attention when plans to potentially scrap the ships were leaked in the past, both vessels still, on paper, remain in service.

The Ministry of Defence’s current position suggests that HMS Bulwark, although not being immediately returned to the fleet, will remain available for deployment if defence requirements call for it. However, with no firm commitment to reintegrate the ship into regular service, its future remains as uncertain as it was under the previous government.