From Royal Marines strike ships to LHDs

Will Royal Marines strike ships use mothership-style amphibious platforms?

Initially Bay-class ships are likely, but a longer-term solution could be two or three ski-ramp LHDs that support both amphibious and aviation roles.

Bay-class ships could provide the initial mothership-style platform for Royal Marines strike operations. Over time, the concept could grow into two or three LHD-like ships replacing Albion and Bulwark. The proposed vessels are roughly 40,000 tons, large enough to carry a substantial amphibious force and support aviation. A ski ramp would let them contribute limited fixed-wing options as well as helicopters when the fleet's main carriers were committed elsewhere. Amphibious lift and aviation availability are connected force-structure problems. Several flexible hulls would help the Royal Navy sustain an amphibious strike capability without assuming a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier is always free for the task.