The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the final results of the navy review in a written ministerial statement that explains the changes to the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.
The MoD has decided to retain Devonport-based warship HMS Ocean to provide the landing platform helicopter capability for the long term and withdraw HMS Illustrious.
HMS Illustrious will be withdrawn from service in 2014 when Ocean rejoins after a planned refit to a fully operational state.
HMS Ocean has been designed to support amphibious landing operations and for roles including training, anti-submarine warfare and a base for anti-terrorist operations.
The final review also affects the navy’s amphibious ships, high-readiness ship and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The UK Government-released white paper aims to deliver the armed force structure required for the future and to address the legacy of unaffordability in the defence budget.
