HMS Northumberland will be decommissioned in cost-saving measures announced by Defence Secretary John Healey. Along with other savings, Mr Healey said that ageing Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland is beyond economic repair and will be decommissioned along with two Wave class tankers. The Army’s Watchkeeper drones, which cost around £5m each and have been in service for a decade but have been beset by problems and are effectively obsolete, will be grounded and assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, which have both been flagships, will be decommissioned. Helicopters will also be affected by the cuts, with the 14 oldest Chinook transport aircraft removed early from service and Puma’s lifespan not being extended beyond March 2025.