---
title: "UK Military Cuts Older Assets in £500 Million Pound Defence Savings Plan"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2024-11-21T05:52:25+00:00"
modified: "2024-11-21T05:53:02+00:00"
date: 2024-11-21
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/uk-military-cuts-older-assets-in-500-million-pound-defence-savings-plan/"
category: "Defence Industry"
categories: ["Defence Industry"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-11-21T055208.329.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# UK Military Cuts Older Assets in £500 Million Pound Defence Savings Plan

**Published:** November 21, 2024
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Defence Industry
**Featured image:** ![US Navy aircraft carrier at sunset. Multiple aircraft are visible on the deck. from Stockmark.it](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-11-21T055208.329.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1)

---

The United Kingdom’s defence sector is set to undergo significant restructuring as Defence Secretary John Healey announces plans to retire ageing military assets, targeting £500 million in savings over the next five years.

The comprehensive cuts include the retirement of HMS Northumberland, a Type 23 frigate previously scheduled for refitting. The vessel will now leave the fleet in 2025, marking the end of its three-decade service. The reduction extends to the troubled Watchkeeper drone programme, two amphibious assault vessels, and substantial helicopter fleet modifications, including the removal of 17 Puma helicopters and 14 Chinooks from the current fleet of approximately 50.

British military leadership has voiced support for these measures, with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of British military forces, emphasising the importance of modernisation to enhance military responsiveness and lethality. The Royal Navy will experience the most substantial changes, losing not only the frigate but also HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, two amphibious assault ships, alongside two ageing oil supply tankers.

The Labour government maintains its commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP from the current 2.3 per cent, though no specific timeline has been established. These cuts arrive amidst growing pressure on public finances, with competing demands from healthcare and education sectors.

Critics, including Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, have expressed concerns about reducing military capabilities during heightened global tensions. John Foreman, the UK’s former defence attaché to Moscow, suggests some vessels are being retired due to personnel shortages rather than age-related issues.

These changes precede a comprehensive review of British armed forces expected next year, signalling potentially more significant structural changes in the UK’s defence infrastructure.

---

**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/uk-military-cuts-older-assets-in-500-million-pound-defence-savings-plan/
*Created by [WP Markdown Endpoint](https://wpmarkdownendpoint.com/)*