Multi-role support ship (United Kingdom)
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators | Royal Navy |
| Preceded by | Albion class, Bay class, RFA Argus |
| Built | 2030s |
| Planned | Up to 6 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Multi-role amphibious support ship |
| Armament | DragonFire laser directed energy weapon |
| Aviation facilities | Landing spot(s) for helicopter(s) and a hangar capable of stowing a Chinook helicopter |
The Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) is a planned class of up to six multi-mission amphibious warfare ships in development for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. The ships were first officially mentioned in the British government's 2021 defence white paper, titled Defence in a Competitive Age.[1] In May 2024, funding for the ships was announced at the Sea Power Conference in London.[2] They will replace the service's two Albion-class landing platform docks, three Bay-class landing ship docks and the multi-purpose support ship RFA Argus.
Development[edit]
Background[edit]
The Royal Navy currently operates two Albion-class landing platform docks for amphibious warfare which are augmented by three Bay-class landing ship docks and one support ship (RFA Argus) from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. With the exception of Argus, these ships were originally commissioned in the 2000s and designed to deliver a brigade-level amphibious landing force.[3] All six ships are due to retire from service in the 2030s.[4]
In the 2020s, the Royal Navy began a modernisation of its amphibious forces in accordance with its new Future Commando Force doctrine which emphasized lighter, more agile raiding operations for the Royal Marines. The navy's amphibious shipping was subsequently reorganized into two formations, known as Littoral Response Groups.[5]
In 2021, the UK government made its first official mention of the MRSS as part of its 2030 shipbuilding pipeline.[6] In 2022, the ships were removed from the Royal Navy's future equipment plan due to issues of affordability. However, the navy insisted the ships remained part of its future plans.[7] In 2023, the UK and the Netherlands explored the potential for the joint procurement of amphibious warfare ships, however, in March 2024, this effort was reportedly abandoned due to a difference in requirements.[8] One key difference was the ships' ability to operate independently without an escort — a British preference which would require more substantial self-defence.[9]
Concept phase[edit]
Following an announcement by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps at the Sea Power Conference in London, the programme officially commenced with a concept phase in May 2024.[10] Up to six ships are currently planned for service entry starting in the 2033/34 period,[11] with three ships to be built initially and a plan for up to three additional vessels.[12] The ships are envisaged as flexible, multi-purpose amphibious warfare platforms, capable of landing marines ashore via sea and air. The ships will feature well docks for landing craft, hangars capable of accommodating Chinook helicopters and a flight deck for helicopters and uncrewed systems.[1] The ships will be highly adaptable and interchangeable by design, as well as interoperable with NATO allies.[13]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Royal Marines to get six new ships which can launch drones and fire laser weapons". The Daily Telegraph. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "UK confirms it will build six new warships for Royal Marines". Reuters. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Amphibious ships - Development of Royal Navy amphibious vessels". Parliament. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Freedom of Information Request 2016/08608" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Understanding the Royal Navy's littoral response group concept". Navy Lookout. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Defence in a Competitive Age (PDF). Ministry of Defence. March 2021. ISBN 978-1-5286-2462-6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-03-22. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ Martin, Tim (30 November 2022). "UK drops funding of future Type 32 Frigate and Multirole Support Ships, for now". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Scott, Richard (12 March 2024). "Netherlands outlines national route for new amphibious transport ship class". Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Karremann, Jaime (9 April 2024). "Amfibische Transportschepen krijgen mogelijk doorlopend dek". Marine Schepen (in Dutch). Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "New Golden Age of shipbuilding as new UK-built warships boost Navy building programme to up to 28 ships and submarines". GOV.UK. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Martin, Tim (14 May 2024). "UK Royal Marines to acquire 6 new multirole support ships, cost yet to be decided". Breaking Defense.
- ^ Webb, Freddie (14 May 2024). "Royal Navy: MoD confirms 6 new Royal Marines support ships will be built amid Russia-Ukraine war". Portsmouth News. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Six new amphibious warships to be built for Royal Marines operations". Royal Navy. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
 | This United Kingdom military article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |