U.K. to Construct 28 Warships, Six Amphibious Vessels

The U.K. Defence Ministry has announced a plan to build 28 warships and submarines, along with six amphibious vessels, for the Royal Navy.

This initiative is bolstered by increased defence spending rising to 2.5% of GDP by the decade's end.

Speaking at the annual Sea Power Conference in central London on Tuesday, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps detailed the construction of six new warships in the U.K. aimed at enhancing the Royal Marines' special operations capabilities. The announcement underscores that 28 warships and submarines are either planned or currently under construction.

Additionally, Shapps confirmed that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark will remain in service until their scheduled decommissioning dates in 2033-2034.

The new amphibious vessels, known as Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), are designed to deliver the Royal Marines Commando Force to global coastlines for special operations. These warships will support a variety of missions, including transporting vehicles, aircraft, insertion craft, and uncrewed systems. They will also function as primary casualty receiving ships, offering urgent medical care during deployments.

The Ministry of Defence has entered the initial Concept phase of the MRSS Programme, collaborating with industry partners for early market engagement to develop the vessel designs. Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, up to six MRSS will be built to replace existing capabilities, such as Landing Platform Docks, Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliaries), and the Aviation Support Ship RFA Argus, by the early 2030s.

This comprehensive shipbuilding effort includes the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates in Scotland, Astute and Dreadnought submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, and Fleet Solid Support ships in Belfast and Devon.