UK confirms minehunter retirement dates
Sandown-class minehunter HMS Blyth was retired in August. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright.)
The UK will have paid off its existing mine countermeasure fleet by 2031.
The UK RN is progressing with plans to divest its mine countermeasure vessel fleet, confirming on 6 September that the service would retire all its remaining Sandown-class vessels by 2025.
The RN's other type of minehunters, the Hunt-class, will be phased out between 2029 and 2031.
Answering a parliamentary question about the plans to retire the mine countermeasure vessels, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: 'On current plans, the Hunt-class Mine Countermeasures Vessels will leave service between 2029 and 2031 and the Sandown-class Mine Countermeasures Vessels will leave service between 2021 and 2025.'
In August,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
