Fast landing craft and the ship-to-shore trade-off

What landing-craft and ship-to-shore capability should Britain seek?

A balanced mix is needed: faster craft are useful, but payload, rough-weather performance, and organic vehicles for Marines matter just as much.

The preferred amphibious group combines an LHD and landing ships with several LST-type vessels rather than searching for one universal craft. A fast landing craft gains speed by accepting costs elsewhere, which may include payload, price, or performance in rough seas. Ship-to-shore movement also has to prepare the force for what happens after it reaches the beach. An amphibious armoured vehicle that can carry Royal Marines ashore and provide organic mobility inland is therefore a high priority.