UK to retire warships, helicopters, drones to modernize armed forces

The UK announced plans Wednesday to retire five warships, dozens of military helicopters and a fleet of drones as part of a cost-saving measure, despite growing global threats and the war in Europe.

The decision, expected to save up to £500 million ($632 million) over the next five years, was confirmed by defense chief John Healey in a statement to parliament.

Healey described the move as a "common sense" decision to the retire outdated equipment, aligning with a broader effort to modernize the armed forces.

The announcement, however, comes at a time of heightened tensions, including Russia's war against Ukraine.

Healey acknowledged the challenges posed by the global security environment.

"We face increasing global threats: war in Europe, growing Russian aggression, conflict in the Middle East, and technology changing the nature of warfare. As a result, defense needs increased resilience and readiness for the future," he said in the letter.

Healey emphasized the "serious financial pressures" facing the Defense Ministry, despite the threats.

The government has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of national income but has not specified a timeline for achieving the target.

Healey outlined the rationale behind the decision to retire the equipment, which is being described as "accelerated retirement."

He stressed the need to prioritize finite resources and personnel on modern systems better suited to contemporary conflicts.

"To ensure that Britain is kept secure at home and strong abroad in a changing world, defence needs to make changes too. Difficult decisions are required," he told lawmakers.

Critics of the decision have pointed to lessons from the war in Ukraine, where older weaponry has played a crucial role.

Russia's armed forces have leaned heavily on outdated tanks, artillery and helicopters after suffering heavy losses of modern equipment in the early months of the conflict.

Analysts warn that retiring the systems without immediate replacements could leave gaps in the UK's military readiness.

Building new warships and helicopters is a years-long process, potentially leaving the armed forces with diminished capabilities in the interim.