UK Ministry of Defence, An agreement with the Chilean Government for the sale of three ex-RN Type 23 frigates HM Ships NORFOLK, GRAFTON, and MARLBOROUGH is to be signed later today.
The agreement, signed by Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Procurement and Chilean Minister of Defence Ravinet, follows the sale of HMS Sheffield (now the FMG Almirante WILLIAMS) in 2003, and will pave the way for delivery of the three ships to the Chilean Navy around the end of 2008
Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Procurement said:
“These three Type 23 frigates have become available as a consequence of the restructuring of our Armed Forces to better meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Royal Navy will continue to operate the Type 23. I am delighted that these excellent ships will now also see service in the Chilean Navy.
“This sale will continue the long tradition of naval links with Chile, who are an increasingly important partner for the UK in international peacekeeping and security operations. This agreement will appreciably enhance Chile's ability to contribute in that field.”
Chile signed a Letter of Intent in December 2004, modified by an Addendum in June 05, to purchase all three ships. Following a period of contract negotiations with Chile and the UK industrial prime contractor, BAE Systems, all parties are now in a position to sign a Sales Agreement for the transfer of the ships to Chile.
Background notes and Information:
1) In July 2004 the then Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, announced a reduction in Royal Navy Destroyer and Frigate numbers from 31 to 25. This was to be achieved, in part, by the withdrawal from service of three Type 23 frigates (HM Ships NORFOLK, MARLBOROUGH and GRAFTON).
2) The value of the sale to Chile which includes the three ships, pre-sale sanitisation and maintenance, and training is
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