Is There Still a Need for HMS Ocean's Replacement? Exploring Optimal Alternatives

The decommissioning of HMS Ocean in 2018 marked a significant shift in the Royal Navy's operational capabilities. This vessel, a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship, played a critical role in numerous missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and amphibious operations. As such, the question arises: is there still a need for a replacement for HMS Ocean? If so, what type of ship would best fill this gap?

Potential Replacement Options

Amphibious Assault Ship

A direct replacement for HMS Ocean could be an advanced amphibious assault ship, similar to the French Mistral-class or the Spanish Juan Carlos I-class. These ships offer significant flexibility, capable of accommodating helicopters, landing craft, and troops. They provide the Royal Navy with the versatility needed for a wide range of missions, including amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Light Aircraft Carrier

Another potential option could be a light aircraft carrier, which combines the flexibility of a helicopter carrier with fixed-wing aircraft capability. This ship type would enhance the Royal Navy's air power projection capabilities, similar to how HMS Ocean operated. While the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are already in service, a smaller, more versatile carrier could serve as a complement to them, offering greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Multi-Role Support Ship

A multi-role support ship could be another viable replacement. Such a ship would be designed to conduct a variety of missions, including logistics, medical support, and amphibious operations. This would help to fill the gap in capabilities left by the decommissioning of HMS Ocean, while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The versatility of this type of ship ensures that it can adapt to changing operational requirements.

Enhanced Landing Platform Dock (LPD)

Upgrading or replacing existing Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) with enhanced versions that can support more helicopters and amphibious vehicles would also be a valuable option. These upgrades would help to maintain robust amphibious capability, ensuring that the Royal Navy remains well-equipped for contemporary operational needs.

Considerations for the Replacement Ship

The choice of replacement ship should prioritize versatility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to operate in a joint and coalition environment. The replacement should be equipped with modern technology for command and control, as well as support for unmanned systems. Strategic assessments of future threats, operational needs, and budget constraints will ultimately determine the best course of action.

Analysis of Possible Replacements

The need for a replacement for HMS Ocean is debatable. While the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are in service, they may not fully meet the needs of all operational roles. The following are four possible contenders:

Another Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier: Building another ship in the Queen Elizabeth-class could provide additional strategic flexibility but would be highly expensive. Buy an Existing Class of Ship: Acquiring an existing class of ship such as the Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) or the America-class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) could offer a balanced mix of life span and cost-effectiveness. Decommissioned Tawra Class Ship: Utilizing a decommissioned Tawra-class ship could provide a cost-effective solution, although it may not offer the same capabilities as more modern designs. Build a New Class of LPHs: Developing a new class of Landing Helicopter Propagator (LPH) or Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships could ensure that the Royal Navy retains the right balance of capabilities and costs for the future.

Ultimately, the decision on which replacement option to pursue will depend on the strategic priorities of the Royal Navy, focusing on maintaining operational flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with evolving operational requirements.