According to information published by Daily Mail on January 26, 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly preparing to sell two of its amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, to Brazil for a sum that undervalues their prior maintenance and refit costs. This move, part of a broader cost-cutting strategy, raises questions about the Royal Navy’s future amphibious capabilities and the strategic implications of offloading key assets at a time of increasing global instability.
HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are the UK’s sole remaining dedicated amphibious warfare ships, capable of deploying Royal Marines, vehicles, and equipment in contested environments. These vessels, commissioned in the early 2000s, are designed for expeditionary operations, humanitarian assistance, and power projection. Their potential sale reduces the Royal Navy’s ability to conduct independent amphibious operations, shifting reliance onto allied forces or alternative, less capable platforms.
The decision aligns with the MoD’s ongoing modernization efforts, which prioritize emerging technologies, multi-role platforms, and cost-efficiency. However, the absence of a direct replacement for these vessels could leave the UK with a gap in its ability to conduct large-scale amphibious landings without significant support from allied navies, particularly the United States and NATO partners.