Full Breakdown
UK Scales Down Amphibious Assault Ship Plans
6/29/2026, 10:18:02 PM
Core Shift: From Multi-Role Strike Ships to Compact Amphibious Transport Ships
The Royal Navy has dropped the 25-40 000-tonne MRSS plan, which called for up to six vessels with Mk 41 VLS cells, and will instead procure a smaller ATS based on the Dutch design. The ATS will displace about 7-9 000 tonnes, carry 60-70 crew, host two medium helicopters and enter service from 2032.
Background & Context: Anglo-Dutch Cooperation and Programme Changes
In 2023 the UK and the Netherlands signed Project CATHERINA to explore a joint amphibious ship. Budget gaps in 2024 ended the joint design, shifting to shared subsystems. The Dutch ATS programme, started in 2024, will build six ships to replace Rotterdam-class LPDs and Holland-class OPVs at about £2 billion. The UK now plans a scaled-down fleet for its Future Commando Force.
Data & Statistics
Displacement: 7-9 000 tonnes (ATS) vs. 25-40 000 tonnes (MRSS). Crew: 60-70. Aviation: two medium helicopters plus uncrewed systems. Fleet: six Dutch ATS; up to six UK ships. Cost: Dutch ATS ? £2 bn; UK > £500 m. Service: first UK ATS 2032, then annually to 2038; Dutch from 2032.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry of Defence announced a new class of larger amphibious transport ships to support the Commando Force under a combined-fleet concept. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the investment will provide the Commandos with lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships needed to stay ahead of adversaries. The Defence Investment Plan, due before the NATO summit in Ankara (7-8 July), will detail funding and construction.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts warn a combined-fleet approach could erode UK operational independence, arguing foreign vessels should not be counted as part of the Royal Navy’s order of battle. Funding doubts persist; some question whether the £500 million allocation can replace the retired Albion-class LPDs and sustain a credible amphibious capability. The shift to a smaller ATS also drops the high-end self-defence suite planned for the MRSS, potentially limiting survivability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the UK ATS programme fully replaces the MRSS or runs alongside it. The hull-building location—Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe—remains undecided despite Damen’s involvement. Detailed assessments of how reduced displacement affects command facilities, survivability standards and strike capability have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us,” — Dan Jarvis, Defence Secretary
- “used to seize further Russian shadow fleet tankers and other maritime security operations” — Navy Lookout analysis
What's Next
The Defence Investment Plan is expected before the NATO summit in Ankara, where allied defence spending will be reviewed. After publication, the UK will finalise the ATS design, confirm the shipyard and start procurement to meet the 2032-2038 delivery schedule, while the Dutch ATS fleet targets its first entry into service in 2032.
