Your options for a 21st ARG looks remarkably old fashioned!Repulse wrote: ↑25 Mar 2024, 22:27 We need to start with what is the requirement in a UK context, and then decide what it needs to do.
Is it to launch brigade level amphibious operations? Is it to transport large formations or troops and kit to reinforce the JEF region? Is it a platform for reinforced SF operations?
My view is the last is a requirement (reinforced SF ops), plus as a forward operating base for manned and unmanned strike aircraft and long range ground attack missiles.
This does not require a traditional ARG made up of LPDs/LHDs.
I see it differently.
The next-gen ARG needs to be a broad spectrum capability specialising primarily in Littoral A2/AD specifically designed to augment and protect the forward based LRG.
Other capabilities would include:
• Forming a Blue Water or Littoral ASW group.
• Forming a ASuW group.
• Large Scale HADR.
• Company level Short Endurance Littoral Strike.
• Battlegroup level operations routinely.
• Brigade level operations as a maximum effort.
The forward based LRGs are the right approach but they need to be simple and cheap to operate. Something like a Damen Enforcer 14428 or 15628 with a core crew of ~125RN plus a BMT AEGIR Joint Logistics Vessel with ~40RFA and ~30RN core. Total procurement cost for each LRG ~£700m.
These LRGs would be completely self sustaining both in terms of fuel and solid stores with a combined core crew allocation of less than 200.
- Hanger space for 5x medium helos.
- 3 or 4 Landing spots
- 500PAX rountine to 900PAX for short duration
- 4x CIC on davits
- Floodable dock for 2x LCU or 4x CIC
- 2x Mexefloate
- 600-800lm of RoRo
- Two highly capable Role 2 medical facilities
- Large quantities of both fuel and solid stores
Due to the potential of the LRGs the reinforcing ARG really does not require a CVF unless the full CSG capability is required.
• A modest floodable well dock is a must for universal utility, therefore it’s a LHD.
• Six landing spots and a flight deck long/wide enough to operate MALE STOL drones.
• Modest RoRo with lift connectivity with the hanger
• Around 500 PAX
• Hanger space for 6x F35, 6x MALE STOL drones and 12x Medium Helos as a maximum effort.
It looks a lot like a Juan Carlos LHD.
Add a FSS and a Tide and RN would have one of the most capable ARGs afloat and for a remarkably low cost both in terms of procurement and operating costs.
If escorted by multiple T31 (with FCASW and NSM) and a T45, it would be an extremely potent group and completely separate to any RN CSG operating simultaneously.