The Royal Navy’s warships are at sea for just 12 WEEKS a year and spend the rest of the time in port or being repaired, figures reveal
- Type 23 frigates are considered to be the Royal Navy’s most versatile warships
- Lack of activity enraged the Defence Secretary who demanded an explanation
- HMS Kent and HMS Montrose, both Type 23, currently patrolling the Persian Gulf
The Royal Navy’s most versatile warships are spending an average of just 12 weeks a year at sea – in spite of the threat to UK-flagged tankers in the Persian Gulf.
The lack of activity of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates has enraged Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who has demanded First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin, the Royal Navy’s most senior officer, explain why the ships spend so much time doing nothing.
According to a Freedom of Information request, the UK’s ageing fleet of Type 23s spent the rest of the time between June 2018 and June 2019 resting in port or being repaired.
The Royal Navy’s most versatile warships are spending an average of just 12 weeks a year at sea – in spite of the threat to UK-flagged tankers in the Persian Gulf. Pictured: HMS Kent, one of the Type 23 frigates
Last night, former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West said: ‘Until recently our ability to put ships to sea has been dramatically better than other navies, so I am surprised that the Type 23s are sailing for such a short time.
‘But there has been a steady erosion of capability, a hollowing out of the Royal Navy, fewer spare parts, less logistical support and manpower shortages.’
HMS Montrose, another Type 23 frigate, is currently patrolling the Persian Gulf
During questions in Parliament last week, Mr Wallace addressed the issue of idle frigates and how their inactivity made it harder for him to convince the Chancellor to give the Royal Navy more money for ships.
He said: ‘If I had more of our current fleet working, then I would have much more freedom to deploy to meet some of our ambitions and tasks.
‘I’ve made it very clear to the First Sea Lord one of my priorities is to get what we’ve got working.’
Last night a Royal Navy spokesperson said: ‘Type 23 frigates are true workhorses across the globe and have been vital to our missions across the world this year.
‘Providing this level of performance requires spells of hard-earned leave and maintenance to enable the ships to retain their warfighting edge.’
HMS Kent and HMS Montrose, both Type 23 frigates, are currently patrolling the Persian Gulf.