In a move that has raised eyebrows across defence circles, the UK is in discussions with Brazil over the potential sale of two Royal Navy amphibious assault ships, HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion. The deal, confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, comes at a time when global threats are escalating, making the decision to offload these crucial assets all the more controversial.
Strategic Cutbacks or Budget Crisis?
Both vessels, designed to deploy Royal Marines ashore during military operations, are being retired as part of cost-cutting measures. Yet, what makes this decision particularly baffling is that HMS Bulwark has only recently undergone an expensive refit. The fact that these ships, both still operationally viable, are being offered up for sale underscores the intense pressure on the defence budget, despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s repeated pledges to boost military expenditure.
Defence experts have expressed concerns that selling off the ships before suitable replacements are available could weaken the UK’s amphibious capability for years to come. Matthew Savill, Director of Military Science at the Royal United Services Institute, pointed out that the move signals just how tight the finances are, even with a promised increase in the defence budget.
“The replacements for these ships are still several years away and won’t be available until the 2030s,” he said. “Ironically, if the deal goes through, Brazil will have greater amphibious capacity than the UK, having already purchased HMS Ocean, formerly the Royal Navy’s helicopter assault ship, in 2018.”
A Done Deal or Just Discussions?
Reports of the possible sale first surfaced in Latin American media, with claims that the Royal Navy and Brazilian Navy have already signed an agreement allowing the UK to provide technical information about the two ships ahead of a potential purchase.
When pressed on the matter, an MoD spokesperson confirmed the ongoing discussions:
“We can confirm we have entered discussions with the Brazilian Navy over the potential sale of HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion. As announced in November, both ships are being decommissioned from the Royal Navy. Neither were planned to go back to sea before their out-of-service dates in the 2030s.”
Political Backlash and Questions Over Readiness
The announcement has sparked political debate, with James Cartlidge, the Shadow Defence Secretary, questioning the wisdom of the move. Taking to social media, he referenced a statement from Defence Secretary John Healey, who had previously suggested that HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion were not “genuine capabilities.”
“They’ve just been sold to Brazil,” Cartlidge noted dryly, highlighting the apparent contradiction in government messaging.
HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, both introduced into service two decades ago, are currently at lower readiness, having not been to sea since 2023 and 2017, respectively. Their potential departure signals a significant shift in the Royal Navy’s amphibious strategy, but whether that shift is driven by necessity or short-term financial pressures remains an open question.
The Bigger Picture
With global instability on the rise, the UK’s decision to part ways with key military assets without immediate replacements in place could be seen as a gamble. The irony of Britain selling off its amphibious ships while still promising to strengthen its armed forces has not been lost on defence analysts.
For now, the talks with Brazil are ongoing, but if the deal goes through, it may be remembered as a cost-cutting measure that came at a strategic cost.
