Auxiliaries and adaptable merchant ships support larger fleets

Larger fleets require investment in oilers, stores ships, depot vessels and forward aviation support. Unicorn illustrates the classification question: the humorous defence of her auxiliary status rests on the treaty categories even though she looks like an aircraft carrier. Governments could buy support ships directly or encourage suitable merchant construction through financial incentives. Hardpoints and other provisions included during construction would make those merchant hulls easier to convert into warships when required.