Defence Secretary John Healey has announced cost-saving measures that will see the decommissioning of a Navy frigate affiliated with Northumberland.
The ageing Type 23 frigate, HMS Northumberland, will be retired along with two Wave class tankers, deemed beyond economic repair.
Built by Swan Hunter in Tyne and Wear and launched in April 1992, HMS Northumberland was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 29 September 1994 and has since been a significant asset. Deployed to the Falklands, engaged in counter-piracy operations, and performing various maritime security duties, her service history is notable.
Stationed at HMNB Devonport, she carried the motto ‘Fortiter defendit triumphans’ (Triumphing by brave defence) and boasts impressive specifications, including a displacement of 4,900 tonnes, a length of 133m (436ft), and speeds exceeding 28 knots.
Her armament included Sea Ceptor missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Sting Ray torpedoes, and a 4.5-inch naval gun, along with the capability to carry a Wildcat HMA2 helicopter.
The decommissioning also affects the Army’s Watchkeeper drones, each costing around £5 million and plagued with issues, which will be grounded.
Additionally, the assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, both former flagships, will be decommissioned. Helicopters will not be spared; the 14 oldest Chinook transport aircraft will be retired early, and the Puma’s lifespan will not be extended beyond March 2025.
HMS Northumberland’s decommissioning by March 2025 due to structural damage deemed uneconomical to repair will save approximately £100 million. The decision was made in light of the extensive time and financial resources required to repair the vessel, which would have yielded limited operational return
