The Royal Navy has unveiled plans to acquire six examples of a new type of amphibious ship to support Royal Marines Commando operations.
The new multi-role support ships (MRSS) will replace the Albion-class landing platform docks HMS Albion (pictured) and HMS Bulwark, the Royal Navy's current amphibious flagships. These two vessels will remain in service until 2033 and 2034, respectively.
The MRSS will also take place of the Bay-class amphibious support vessels RFA Lyme Bay, RFA Mounts Bay, and RFA Cardigan Bay as well as the support ship RFA Argus.
The MRSS will be developed as highly versatile warships able to deploy on a wider variety of operations and designed to carry vehicles, aircraft, insertion craft, and a broad range of uncrewed systems. They will also be able to act as primary casualty receiving ships, providing urgent medical care to British forces wherever they are deployed.
The UK Ministry of Defence has entered the first, or concept, phase of the MRSS Programme and will work with UK industry partners as part of early market engagement ahead of developing the vessel design.