Moved across,
donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑06 Dec 2022, 06:40
.As MRSS has been postponed, NOW we can modify these LPDs.
The lack of financial prioritisation given to the MRSS programme is both a concern and an opportunity.
The Albion class was built to a very high standard and with one consistently in extended readiness they have not spent a lot of time at sea. In which case could a conversion actually be the most cost effective way to proceed if another 20 years could be squeezed out out of the hulls?
Personally I think the six MRSS would cost at least £1.5bn to construct, perhaps more if RN is insisting that they are built to higher standards than the Bays and Argus. Clearly this was too much for the current financial situation.
Expecting to replace the entire Amphib fleet for less than £1.5bn is unrealistic but perhaps a combination of conversions and replacements spread over the next 15 years could ease the in-year budgetary bottlenecks. If combined with a £500m budget to replace the waves this results a budget of around £2bn, not generous, so maintaining strict budget discipline will be vital to achieve a good result,
For example:
Albion and Bulwark converted to LHD with 4 Merlin hanger added. Cost: £250m between 2025/2027.
Two HMS Ocean style Helicopter Assault Ship constructed. Flattop design optimised for naval drone ops, ASW, Land Attack etc. Highly automated to minimise crew allocation. Cost: £750m between 2027/2031.
Build three MRSS to replace Bay/Tides optimised for LRG support, HADR and deploying USV/UUV/XLUUV etc. Possibly based on Ellida. Cost: £750m between 2031/2037.
Total cost over 12 years, £1.75bn or around £150m per annum between 2025 and 2037. Totally achievable.
This would allow RN to have FOUR Littoral Response Groups. Two based around the Albions with the FCF and the remaining two primarily focusing on HADR in the Caribbean and East/West Africa. These four groups could then form into two independent and very capable Littoral Strike Groups if required.
I would suggest this option is better than current planning.