Iron Duke refit cost a hundred million before withdrawal

The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that the Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke underwent a life-extension refit costing approximately £102.9 million between May 2019 and May 2023, before being withdrawn from service in 2025. The work kept the aging ship available beyond its original service expectation and included major maintenance and upgrades to existing combat and propulsion equipment. A parliamentary response also identified roughly £4.7 million associated with a planned sonar modification that was not ultimately completed. The figures concern expenditure on a vessel subsequently retired, rather than a new frigate procurement or an additional £100 million refit authorization.