Britain sells Royal Navy ships to Egypt for the first time in 30 years

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Britain sells Royal Navy ships to Egypt for the first time in 30 years

The UK has sold military vessels to Egypt for the first time in more than 30 years. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie were sold by the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA). The ships will sail to Egypt after refurbishment work. They will join an Egyptian Navy fleet composed of US, Korean, German, Italian and French vessels.

Both Royal Navy Solid Support Ships were decommissioned in March 2021. The sister ships have two flight decks, which means traditional replenishment at sea. They are also able to use helicopters to offload supplies.

Britain sells Royal Navy ships to Egypt for the first time in 30 years

Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie will be replaced by the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships, which will form part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.

Fort Rosalie and Fort Austin are the only two fleet replenishment vessels of the Fort Rosalie class. They were commissioned with the RFA in April 1978 and May 1979, respectively. They have a full load displacement of 23,890 tons and a length of 185 meters.

They supply dry stores and not fuel. The Fort Rosalie-class vessels can store 3,500 long tons (3,600 t) of stores, including refrigerated items, in four holds. They can replenish at sea (RAS), using three 10-ton and three 5-ton cranes and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).

Britain sells Royal Navy ships to Egypt for the first time in 30 years