THE Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has revealed that Devonport-based ship HMS Argyll - which is currently undergoing a huge overhaul and HMS Westminster are to be retired from service.
In August 2022 The Herald reported that Argyll - the oldest frigate in the fleet - had gone into dock at Devonport so that Babcock International Group could give her another five or six years of life.
Similarly, the Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster was last seen rusting and covered in scaffolding in Devonport just seven months ago, with a similar plan to undergo a £100m upgrade to keep her employed for another five years.
However, these refits have now been following an scuppered announcement by the minister.
Mr Shapps, speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, has said that new drone-carrying ships for the Royal Marines will draw on lessons learned from the Ukraine war and the Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Denne historien er fra May 15, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 15, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
WORKING HARD
WAYNE Rooney has got his Plymouth Argyle players training harder to prepare themselves for the physical demands of playing five games in 15 days over the Christmas and New Year period.
Festive football is something of a novelty for Al Hajj
SWEDISH midfielder Rami AI Hajj will get time to spend with his family despite the Plymouth Argyle's busy schedule of matches over Christmas and New Year.
Ex-loanee Azaz is now the main man for Boro
GREEN ARMY KNOW VERY WELL THE QUALITIES OF EX-VILLA MAN
Cardiff off Speedway GP series
SPEEDWAY enthusiasts have been left disappointed by the news that the Cardiff Grand Prix has been removed from next season's calendar.
Albion hoping for big things from loanee Brown-Bampoe
PLYMOUTH Albion head coach Ryan Lamb was full of praise for returning loanee Paul Brown-Bampoe, highlighting his impressive performances and the growth he has shown from his first spell at the Brickfields.
Gaffney, Payne and Ahmed set for February title clashes
THREE Western Counties title fights will be on the card when Mayflower ABC holds its first show 'in years' according to organiser Chris Adaway.
Predictions of a stellar year for writing spot on
THIS year began with Plymouth poet Steve Spence highlighting what a vintage year for poetry and writing 2023 was and predicting a stellar 2024.
Loungers plan for Broadway
THE Loungers chain of cafe-bars has made an application for a licence for it's latest outlet in Plymouth - in a former Poundland store in Plymstock's main high street.
Children serve Christmas feast up for villagers
CHILDREN at a school in south-east Cornwall hosted a Christmas lunch for residents of the village in which they are based, serving food and drink and even singing a Christmas carol.
Family GP focus to 'fix front door'
GP surgeries will be offered financial incentives to ensure patients see the same doctor at every appointment under new Government proposals.
