Two former Royal Navy warships previously set for decommissioning could soon get a second life in Brazil. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed it is in “discussions” with the Brazilian Navy over the potential sale of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark - two large amphibious assault ships based in Plymouth.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have entered discussions with the Brazilian Navy over the potential sale of HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion. As announced in November, both ships are being decommissioned from the Royal Navy. Neither were planned to go back to sea before their out of service dates in the 2030s.”

The talks come after widespread defence cuts were announced last year.

Both vessels, which can deploy Royal Marines from sea to shore, were due to be scrapped despite receiving upgrades in recent years.

HMS Bulwark, launched in 2001, gained recognition for rescuing over 500 migrants off the coast of Libya in 2015.

HMS Albion, also launched in 2001, played a key role in a major NATO exercise in Arctic waters in 2022 and made headlines when China accused the UK of “provocation” after the ship passed near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Neither ship has sailed since 2023 and 2017 respectively, but defence analysts say the vessels still have years of life left.

Matthew Savill, the Director of Military Science at the Royal United Services Institute, told Sky News: “The fact that the UK is prepared to sell off useful amphibious capability shows just how tight finances are, even with the promised budget increase.”

He added: “Brazil will probably have greater amphibious capacity than the UK, having previously bought HMS Ocean.”

Brazil already operates the former Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Ocean - now named BNS Atlântico - after buying it in 2018 for £84 million.

Should the deal go ahead, the two Albion-class ships would join that fleet, along with other British-built vessels such as the Amazonas-class offshore patrol ships and a former Type 22 frigate.

Although rarely used, the amphibious assault ships are vital for operations where ports are inaccessible.

According to Naval Technology, they can carry up to 500 troops and heavy vehicles, including tanks, and launch them to shore using landing craft or helicopters.

Their replacement vessels are not expected until the 2030s.

In the meantime, the UK will rely on three smaller Bay-class ships, which offer reduced capacity and are built to commercial standards.

One of them, RFA Cardigan Bay, is currently laid up until at least 2026.

The possible sale has also sparked political criticism. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, wrote online: “They’ve just been sold to Brazil,” pointing out that Defence Secretary John Healey previously claimed the ships were “not genuine capabilities”.

In a post on X, Cartlidge added: “Labour talks up defence spending but sells two of our most capable amphibious ships, even after Bulwark’s recent refit. Our armed forces deserve better than slogans and cuts.”

Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West also weighed in, telling the BBC that scrapping or selling the ships would be a "terrible mistake".

He said: “These ships are essential for landing troops and equipment where no port facilities exist - and with increasing global instability, we need them now more than ever.”

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, former chair of the Defence Select Committee, told Sky News: “Once again, our Armed Forces are being hollowed out. Selling these ships might make short-term financial sense, but we are losing a vital capability.”