Image Source: topwar.ru
Britain has officially confirmed its readiness to sell universal amphibious assault ships to a foreign customer. We are talking about the UDC HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, decommissioning of which began in December 2024.
Then both pennants were abandoned by the remaining crew members. Since then, only personnel responsible for the safety of the ships have been on board until they are disposed of. However, it was decided not to send them for scrap, but to sell them to a foreign partner. As indicated in the UK Defense Journal, the Ministry of Defense, in response to a parliamentary request, stated that a corresponding preliminary agreement had been signed with Brazil.
When asked how the sale price of the ships was calculated, the military department replied that "it is not possible to provide additional information due to commercial confidentiality." At the same time, information was voiced in the press about the very modest value of the potential deal, which is allegedly only about 20 million pounds.
Image source: topwar.ru
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According to the British Navy's website, the Albion-class ships are "called the Swiss Army knife of the Royal Navy" for their powerful amphibious capabilities. Now their tasks should be performed by Bay-type amphibious assault ships.
HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark with a total displacement of 18.5 thousand tons were transferred to the fleet in 2003-2004. Since the beginning of their service, the sailors have faced a shortage of crews. Over time, the deteriorating technical condition of the ships was added to this problem. The last time they went to sea was in 2023 and 2017, respectively.
