It was supposed to be a new lease of life for HMS Argyll, a fresh purpose after decades of loyal service. Instead, the Royal Navy’s veteran frigate may soon be setting sail for South America rather than serving as a training ground for British shipbuilding apprentices.
The Type 23 frigate, decommissioned due to ongoing personnel shortages in the Royal Navy, was initially earmarked to become a hands-on learning platform for trainees at BAE Systems’ new £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Scotstoun. But in a surprising twist, that plan appears to have been scrapped, and now Chile could be the ship’s next destination.
A Change of Course
Back in May 2024, then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced that HMS Argyll would be retired after significantly outliving its expected operational lifespan. The decision was part of the Navy’s broader strategy to consolidate its workforce and prioritise manning the incoming Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
However, Shapps had also revealed something unexpected: instead of being mothballed or scrapped, the ship would be transferred to BAE Systems to serve as a static training platform for apprentices. The idea was simple, to provide a real-life warship environment where future engineers and shipbuilders could hone their skills.
Fast-forward a few months, and that plan is no more. Neither the Ministry of Defence (MoD) nor BAE Systems has offered a clear explanation, with a BAE spokesperson only stating that they “continue to work with the Royal Navy to explore opportunities for our workforce to enhance their skills.” A vague response, but one that hints at a rethink behind the scenes.
The Reality of an Ageing Frigate
The decision to abandon HMS Argyll’s training role might not be all that surprising when you consider the ship’s age. Designed in the 1980s, the Type 23s are gradually becoming relics of the past, with less and less in common with the cutting-edge digital systems on the Navy’s newest vessels. Keeping an ageing warship in usable condition, even as a static facility, comes with its own set of logistical and financial challenges.
When HMS Argyll entered dry dock at Devonport in August 2022 for a post-LIFEX refit, she emerged looking pristine, but with much of her primary radar and upper deck equipment missing. The refit was halted before completion, leaving her in a limbo state.
The cost of maintaining older warships has become a pressing issue for the Royal Navy. HMS Northumberland, another Type 23, saw £5 million spent on refits in 2023-24 before it was discovered that her keel was too rotten to justify further repairs. The government scrapped her instead, saving an estimated £120 million in additional refurbishment costs. There was a brief consideration of refitting HMS Argyll to replace Northumberland, but this, too, was deemed financially unviable.
A New Future in Chile?
Now, all eyes are on Chile as a potential buyer. While official confirmation remains elusive, reports suggest that the Royal Navy is in discussions to sell HMS Argyll to the Chilean Navy. The ship could either be fully refitted and added to their fleet or stripped for parts to support their existing three ex-RN Type 23s.
That said, integrating Argyll into Chile’s fleet wouldn’t be entirely seamless. Their existing frigates have undergone their own modernisation programmes, including upgrades to the Lockheed Martin CMS330 combat management system and Hensoldt radar. Whether HMS Argyll’s older systems make her a viable candidate for active service, or just a valuable donor ship, remains to be seen.
For now, the fate of HMS Argyll hangs in the balance. Once a stalwart of the Royal Navy, she may soon find herself flying the Chilean flag, extending her service life in a different hemisphere. One thing is certain: her story isn’t over just yet.
