Following a parliamentary question tabled by Andrew Rosindell M.P. and despite rumours that Royal Navy assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are being scrapped, assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are to remain in service for at least another decade.
In a statement on these developments, Andrew Rosindell M.P. has said the following:
"I welcome the Government’s announcement that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark will remain in service until 2034.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to (a) maintain and (b) improve amphibious assault capabilities.
Andrew Rosindell M.P.
The Commando Force modernisation programme is delivering a fundamental change to the UK’s amphibious capabilities. The programme will be delivered in two investment increments, called OPERATE and FIGHT. OPERATE will deliver a transformation of 3 Commando Brigade’s operational capability on land while FIGHT will deliver the additional capabilities required to conduct ship-to-shore operations in a contested maritime environment.
On current plans, the Landing Platform Docks, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will retire from service by the end of 2034. As part of the transformation of our Commando Forces, options for future amphibious capability are being developed in the form of the Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS). The Secretary of State has also commissioned a plan on how the Royal Marines excellent work and capabilities can be bolstered and enhanced to protect Britain from a world that has grown more dangerous. An update to the House will be provided in due course.
James Cartlidge, Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
This decision should guarantee that the Royal Marines maintain their primary vessels and that the U.K. will maintain its amphibious assault capability.
I will not cease in arguing for our Armed Forces to be properly equipped to defend our interests at home and abroad!"
For further details, we recommend consulting the UK Defence Journal.
