How threat and mission shape amphibious escorts

How many escorts does an average amphibious group need?

There is no useful average: the answer depends on force size, mission, nation, and threat, with submarines usually operating in separated patrol zones.

There is no useful fleet-wide average because group size, mission, destination, nation, and threat shape the escort requirement. A low-threat American deployment may need only an Arleigh Burke and a smaller surface combatant, while a high-threat operation might draw several destroyers, minor escorts, small craft, and carrier support. Submarines normally patrol separated zones because close-in forces may attack any unidentified underwater contact. The Falklands example explains why an amphibious operating area can be sanitized even when friendly submarines are kept away.