For sale: one aircraft carrier, slightly used.

Britain has put aircraft carrier Ark Royal, the former flagship of the Royal Navy, up for sale on a military auction website.

British Aircraft Carrier HMS Ark Royal is flanked by tug boats as she sails through the Thames Barrier, near Greenwich. Credit:AP

The Ark Royal was decommissioned this month, four years ahead of schedule, as part of defence spending cuts. The vessel played a crucial role in the NATO campaign during the conflict in Bosnia and was also involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The Ark Royal could be sold for scrap, but there has also been a proposal to park it on the Thames river as a heliport. Bidders have until June 13 to make an offer, and no minimum price has been set.