In response to a written question from James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided details on the recent operational deployments of several platforms slated for retirement as part of the UK’s ongoing transition to modernised capabilities.
Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, outlined the operational timelines for vessels and aircraft, shedding light on the service history of key platforms.
Operational Histories
- Watchkeeper Mk 1: The unmanned system was last deployed in Estonia during Exercise ATHENA SHIELD in August 2024.
- Puma HC2: This platform remains operational and is currently deployed in Cyprus and Brunei, providing critical operational support. The Pumas will continue their role until their planned retirement on 31 March 2025.
- Chinook Helicopters: The 14 Chinooks scheduled for retirement remain part of the forward fleet and will remain operational until their flying hours necessitate deep maintenance.
The MOD also provided updates on naval platforms:
- HMS Bulwark: Last operational in 2017.
- HMS Northumberland: Last operational in 2022.
- HMS Albion: Last operational in 2023.
- RFA Wave Ruler: Last operational in 2017.
- RFA Wave Knight: Last operational in 2022.
The MOD has emphasised that these retirements are part of a broader strategy to transition to next-generation capabilities. This includes platforms such as the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates and the Extended Range Chinook helicopter.
Pollard noted:
“Defence has taken the decision to retire some ageing equipment, as we transition to new capabilities and make our Armed Forces fit for the future.”
Further updates on replacement timelines and capability enhancements are expected as the MOD continues its transition to modern systems.
Could the two Waves be converted to be more solid stores in the interim? Give them so thing to do, the ships themselves that is!? They seem still relatively young ships.
No, they couldn’t.
And we don’t have crews anyway
Converting the oil tanks to be cargo holds of any meaningful value to securely transport the solid stores required would be such a significant structural change that it would probably constitute a massive bill subtracting from other projects and a long conversion period by which time the FSS would be ready anyway. Otherwise it’s just the limited deck space for ISOs – not enough for a CSG. Sadly there’s no quick fix.
*something
The Waves could supply solid stores but in limited ammounts. Its the same with the Albions, they could be converted to command and control ships with advanced radar suites and intel gathering capability, and or motherships with workshops and hospital capabilities. The ships themselves seem to be in fairly good condition.
The Albions are too manpower intensive and where already Command and Control rolled for their main task with required systems. The Waves are needed as the 4 Tide will never be able to generate the required numbers not only to support the small RN but provide service to NATO. 4 means 1 or 2 at best available with the Tides but the with Waves we could generate another one + when needed. They can proved limited stores which can support a couple units keeping them at sea longer. Seldom would the Stores ship supply a Frigate/Destoryer on its own.
Manpower issue could be solved if the RFA were get paid on bar with our (so hard worked) train drivers. Sad Times for once a proud and effective Fleet.
I wonder when ‘Defence’ will retire 60-year old FV430 vehicles from the army!
Very very good point, unfortunately they only seem interested in buying very expensive wheeled APCs in numbers that are no way adequate over about a Decade, to replace 600 warrior variants and 750 FV430s and 600 is mastiff/wolfhound variants . 600 boxer for 2032…so if they order a second batch and third Bach of another 600 overs for each batch the army should get a full set of replacements for 2050……
In reality the army needs:
1) 200- 300 cannon armoured ( preferably tracked) IFVs with tracked support variants. ( personally I think they should just do a cheap lifex on the warrior )
2) 1200 APCs ( boxer )
And it really needs them last week ( or in the case of the APCs a decade ago)
The Americans are short of tankers, so perhaps we could do a swap? we give them RFA Wave Knight & Ruler, & in return we get enough US Army recently retired UH-60L Blackhawks to replace RAF Pumas.
I like it 🤗 don’t ask don’t get .
In sure the waves will be flogged for some good money… china is massively expanding and I’m sure would snap them up.