How should the Royal Navy replace its older Sandown-class minehunters?
Short answerA Protector-like support ship is suggested because future mine clearance is expected to use remote and uncrewed vehicles.
NotesThe plastic-hulled minehunters are still judged very capable, and their outward appearance does not fully convey their internal equipment. Future mine clearance is expected to rely increasingly on remotely operated and uncrewed vehicles. That expectation changes the kind of ship needed to support the work. A conversion based on a ship like Protector is proposed as a sensible way to carry those systems.