Will specialist repair ships return?

Are repair ships likely to return to modern fleets?

Dedicated repair ships are unlikely to return quickly unless fleets grow, while forward tenders combining repair, headquarters, and personnel functions remain useful in a long war.

A large specialist repair ship requires a stronger case than mobile support in general. Dedicated repair hulls are unlikely to reappear soon unless fleet sizes grow dramatically. A forward-based tender is easier to justify because it can combine workshops with headquarters space and replacement personnel. That multi-role model would be especially useful in a long conflict where sending every damaged or depleted ship home wastes scarce combat availability.