UK RN to lose two frigates and deploy OPVs into Gulf of Guinea and Indo-Pacific in defence shake-up
The frigates, HMS Monmouth and HMS Montrose, were earlier planned to be decommissioned in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
It has been revealed the UK RN will lose two Type 23 frigates from its current surface fleet following the publication of the Defence Command Paper, which, building on the earlier Integrated Review, has outlined widespread changes across the country’s armed forces.
The MoD also announced that two Batch 2 OPVs will be forward-deployed from Gibraltar and the Indo-Pacific. The UK naval logistics facility at Sembawang in Singapore is likely a key hub for the latter deployment.
The deployment of HMS Trent to Gibraltar later in 2021 will see the vessel have a vast remit for maritime security operations,
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