After being decommissioned in May 2024 following more than 30 years of service, the United Kingdom is reportedly considering the possible sale of the frigate HMS Argyll to the Chilean Navy. Initially, the ship was expected to be used as a training vessel at the Clyde Naval Base, but recent reports suggest it could be transferred to a foreign country. The frigate, which had been part of the Royal Navy’s fleet since 1989, was one of the longest-serving ships of its class and participated in multiple operational deployments worldwide.Belonging to the Duke class, known as the Type 23, it was originally designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War. However, over time, it evolved into a multipurpose platform capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. Due to personnel reductions and the need to reallocate resources for the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, the UK decided to accelerate the decommissioning of several units, including HMS Argyll.HMS Argyll during its refit
In 2017, Chile signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada to upgrade its Type 23 frigates with the CMS 330 combat management system, also used in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates. The modernization included installing a TRS-4D three-dimensional radar and the Sea Ceptor missile system with MBDA CAMM interceptors, replacing the obsolete Sea Wolf system. Additionally, improvements were made in electronic warfare and connectivity, with participation from the state-owned ASMAR shipyard and local companies such as DESA and TDS
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