The Royal Navy’s active frigate fleet has reportedly shrunk to just five vessels after HMS Iron Duke was effectively taken out of service, despite no official decommissioning announcement.
The Type 23 warship has been stripped of its weapons and sensors and has not been operational at sea since last October, according to specialist news website Navy Lookout.
This development comes as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) progresses plans to replace its Type 23 frigates, including HMS Iron Duke, with a new generation of warships. Eight anti-submarine warfare Type 26 frigates are expected to join the fleet before 2030, complemented by five general-purpose Type 31 frigates.
The modernisation aims to build a “hybrid” force, integrating crewed ships with drones and other advanced technology, a vision outlined by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
The decision to effectively sideline HMS Iron Duke follows the government’s confirmation last November that a planned conversion project for the vessel had been cancelled.
Defence minister Luke Pollard stated at the time: “Given the platform’s remaining service life, the time required to complete the conversion, and competing operational priorities, the benefits of proceeding did not justify the additional cost or extended period out of service.”
Responding to inquiries about the warship’s reported withdrawal, a MoD spokesperson said on Monday: “The Royal Navy keeps planned out-of-service dates under continual review as part of routine force planning, balancing operational requirements and affordability. Any decommissioning decisions will be announced in the usual way.”
The spokesperson added: “Through the Strategic Defence Review, we are building a new hybrid Navy – investing in world-class submarines and cutting-edge warships, transforming our aircraft carriers, and introducing autonomous vessels to patrol the North Atlantic and beyond.”
