10.01.2024, 13:35
Zur möglichen Neuausrichtung (besser: Kürzungen?) der amphibischen Kräfte der Royal Navy:
Schneemann
Zitat:Does the Royal Navy have an amphibious assault future?https://www.naval-technology.com/news/do...lt-future/
Senior defence officials have stated in Parliament that no decision has been taken on the future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, offering the potential for their mothballing or decommissioning. [...]
The future of the Royal Navy’s amphibious assaults ships HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion remains uncertain, amid reports that the vessels could be axed as the service struggles with manpower issues and recruitment.
Recent media reports have stated that both Albion-class amphibious assault ships – technically classified as Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) – could face the chop in order to alleviate personnel difficulties in the Royal Navy. Able to accommodate hundreds of soldiers or Royal Marines, the vessels can launch and recover amphibious assaults from an extensive rear well deck and two-spot helicopter deck. [...]
The House also heard that intake to replace sailors leaving the Royal Navy had dropped 22.1% in the year up to 22 March 2023. Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge stated that “no final decision” had been taken on HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, admitting that there were “recruitment challenges”. The fact that no decision has been taken on whether to retain Albion and Bulwark indicates that discussions regarding their future have taken place, with the prospect that the departure from service of such role-specific vessels could leave a gaping hole in the UK’s ability to project maritime power. This uncertainty is in marked contrast to comment made in late 2023 regarding the future of the class. [...]
Given these comments, any removal of the Albion class from service could impact the ability of the Royal Navy to sustain a forward-based amphibious presence. [...]
The capabilities of the Albion-class LPDs include an ability to embark 300 assault troops, or up to 650 for short periods, or Challenger 2 main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles. In addition, eight landing craft (a mixture of LCU Mk 10 and LCVP Mk 5) can be embarked within the welldeck, which are then able to carry troops, armoured vehicles, or equipment from the vessel to a beachhead, a critical capability known as a ship-to-shore connector. [...]
Should the Albion class be decommissioned, it would be expected that the three Bay-class LPDs and, to a lesser extent, the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, would form the principal elements of the Royal Navy’s amphibious assault capability.
Schneemann