# Egypt purchases two ex-British auxiliary support ships

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/11/egypt-purchases-two-ex-british-auxiliary-support-ships/
- Published: 2021-11-03T09:29:00+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

Egypt has purchased two Fort Rosalie-class replenishment tankers from the UK, according
to a press release of the UK Ministry of Defence.

The 24,000-tonne Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) replenishment ships _Fort Austin_ and
_Fort Rosalie _are to be sold to Egypt. Both support vessels were decommissioned
earlier this year after more than 40 years of service, and were destined to be scrapped.

The 1970s-vintage vessels are reported to be in good overall condition, and Cairo
is negotiating with UK shipyard Cammell Laird for both ships to receive major refits,
probably including the replacement of their main engines.

The sale marks the first time in more than 30 years that the United Kingdom has
sold naval vessels to Egypt.

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![](military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Egypt-purchases-two-ex-British-auxiliary-
support-ships-fortrosalie-scaled.jpg)

Fort Rosalie

Both vessels were laid up mainly because their replenishment-at-sea rigs are not
compatible with the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

“Their new lease of life could also support UK jobs, with negotiations underway 
for refurbishment work on the vessels before they are exported,” the UK Defence 
Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) said.

For Egypt, the Fort Rosalie class vessels will enable the Navy to carry out long
range operations, with their 19,000 km range, and will be able to support its largest
vessels, including the [two Mistral class landing helicopter docks (LHDs). ](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/egypt-purchases-two-ex-british-auxiliary-support-ships/military.africa/2017/06/egypts-mistral-class-africas-largest-and-biggest-warship)

 military.africa/2017/06/egypts-mistral-class-africas-largest-and-biggest-warship

“Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie performed a critical part in sustaining our naval 
fleet for decades, and I appreciate everybody involved in their essential job,” 
said Jeremy Quin, Minister of Defence Procurement.

“While we honor these ships’ previous service, we can also look forward to the exciting
future of receiving our new Fleet Solid Support ships.”

With Egypt’s growing and strong economy, as well as increasing security in the Mediterranean
Sea, the North African nation has expanded its capabilities in recent years, as 
it seeks to protect its offshore interests and to extend its regional influence.

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![](military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Egypt-purchases-two-ex-British-auxiliary-
support-ships-fort-austin-scaled.jpg)

Fort Austin underway

“DESA is extraordinarily thrilled to be working with the Egyptian Navy on the regeneration
of two former Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships,” said Clive Walker, Head of DESA, which
is part of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

“This is a physical demonstration of the two fleets’ developing relationship, as
well as the importance of the UK-Egypt strategic alliance.”

Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie have helped to ensure Navy personnel all over the world
have the food, ammunition and explosives they need to carry out vital operations.

The sister ships have two flight decks, which means as well as traditional replenishment
at sea they are also able to use helicopters to offload supplies.

The 185 metre long ships are designed to deliver bulk ammunition, dry stores, and
food to maritime task groups. They displace 23,400 tonnes, and have a capacity for
up to 3,500 tons of ammunition, stores, and victuals across four holds. Six replenishment
at sea stations are available for the transfer of cargo while under way.

In the RN service, the ships will be replaced by Fleet Solid Support ships, which
will form part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.

They were originally armed with 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 × 20 mm Oerlikon/BMARC
KAA guns in GAM-B01 mounts, and 4 × 7.62 mm L7 GPMGs.

The class can carry up to 4 × Westland Sea King-sized helicopters, and is fitted
with a Kelvin Hughes Ltd SharpEye navigation radar.

Clive Walker, the Head of DESA, part of the MOD’s procurement arm Defence Equipment
and Support (DE&S), said:

“DESA is exceptionally happy to be working with the Egyptian Navy on the regeneration
of two former Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. This represents a tangible demonstration
of the strengthening relationship between the two navies and the importance of the
strategic relationship between the UK and Egypt.”

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Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, DE&S Director General Ships, also noted that:

“Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie have both served the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal 
Navy and many of our allies with distinction, across the globe both at peacetime
and during conflict. Their sale to the Egyptian Navy – the first sale of UK military
vessels to this partner in more than 30 years – represents both an investment in
a UK partner nation and an opportunity to continue supporting our industry partners
who will prepare these vessels to hand over, which is central to the successful 
National Shipbuilding Strategy.”

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