10/2(Fri) UK Navy Fleet

As of October 2026, the UK’s Royal Navy fleet is centered on carrier aviation, nuclear submarines, destroyers/frigates, patrol vessels, amphibious forces, and an increasing number of autonomous systems.

The main combat fleet includes 2 Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers —

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales — supported by Type 45 air-defence destroyers and Type 23 frigates.

The Type 23s are progressively being retired and replaced by the new Type 26 City-class and Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates.

In July 2026, the Navy announced the retirement of HMS Iron Duke and HMS Richmond as part of that transition.