The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a collaboration with the Netherlands to develop a specialized warship for their amphibious commando forces.
According to a press release, the future Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) will have a sea-to-land strike capability to support combat missions.
It will also be able to transport military personnel, armored vehicles, boats, aircraft, and weaponry wherever needed.
The warship will be operated by British and Dutch amphibious task groups to swiftly deploy and respond to crises globally.
The agreement was signed by British defense minister James Cartlidge and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren during the 50th anniversary of the Joint Amphibious Force.
“To remain a truly global military, we must procure the right equipment at the right time for our armed forces,” Cartlidge said. “The future [MRSS] will ensure the Royal Marines can continue to deploy overseas fully equipped at short notice.”
Apart from building the specialized warship, the countries have agreed to conduct amphibious exercises and training.
Enhancing Collective Readiness
The development of a new littoral strike platform builds on a 1973 agreement between London and Amsterdam to foster closer ties and promote further collaboration.
First Sea Lord Admiral Ben Key said the deal has resulted in the “closest and most significant amphibious relationship” between the two nations.
“I am delighted that our nations have today signed an agreement to deepen this through further exercises and training but most significantly, to pursue the next generation of littoral strike ships, setting the stage for the next 50 years of our cooperation,” he said.
Cartlidge added that the ties between the UK and the Netherlands allowed them to continue to work together at the forefront of NATO’s maritime response.
The MRSS will enhance the allied forces’ collective readiness and tightly bind them for generations to come.