Why offensive missiles can endanger amphibious ships

Are large LHDs inviting targets, and should amphibious ships receive large offensive missile batteries?

They become urgent targets mainly near the landing area; heavy offensive armament risks making them priority targets earlier, although a dedicated missile-defence conversion is different.

At long range an opponent may prioritize carriers and surface combatants that can immediately strike back, leaving troop transports for the later approach. The amphibious ships become more urgent targets as they close the shore and their embarked force can enter the battle. Adding Tomahawk or anti-ship weapons changes that calculation by giving the transport an immediate offensive role. A purpose-built missile-defence conversion is different from loading an ordinary San Antonio-class transport with strike weapons.