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HMS Richmond: Decommissioning

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 108883

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Richmond is due to be decommissioned.

Answered by Al Carns

The Royal Navy continues to modernise its Fleet through careful management of a surface fleet transition plan to ensure the highest priority outputs are maintained through this decade and the next. We are replacing our Type 23 Frigates with eight of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare ships, the Type 26 Frigates. They will be bolstered by five general purpose Type 31 Frigates, providing opportunity to project power, support NATO operations and influence on the global stage.

The Royal Navy keeps the planned out-of-service dates for its vessels under continual review as part of routine force planning, in light of operational requirements and affordability. Any decisions on the decommissioning of individual ships will be announced in the usual way.

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