Q&A · 41:37-42:00

Could surplus treaty ships remain useful abroad?

Old capital ships sold after the Washington treaty could still be useful in the right navy and role.

Capital Ships Naval Arms Control Warship Modernisation Washington Naval Treaty

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Question

Would treaty-disposal ships sold abroad merely be living on borrowed time?

Short answer

Not necessarily; usefulness depends on who operates them and for what mission.

Notes

Age alone does not decide whether a treaty-disposal ship still has value. Its usefulness depends on what the new owner asks it to do and who operates it. A ship declared surplus by one signatory could still serve elsewhere. Each proposed sale therefore needs to be judged in its own operational context.