The gap left by Albion and Bulwark

The withdrawal of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark removed the landing platform docks around which Britain had organized command, landing craft, lift, and close-in assault support. Bay-class ships retain valuable logistics functions but do not reproduce that complete amphibious system. Large aircraft carriers can launch helicopters, yet their value, size, and vulnerability prevent them from operating close inshore as substitutes. Without purpose-built replacements, policy increasingly narrows toward raids and relief missions rather than sustained contested landings. The speakers distinguish carrying troops or aircraft from commanding and delivering an amphibious operation under fire. That distinction helps readers judge capability by the functions ships can perform together, not simply by deck area or nominal lift capacity.