Ship design agency BMT unveiled the latest evolution of its ELLIDA multi-role naval platform at the 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London in September 2025.
The ELLIDA series of concept designs was launched by BMT in 2019, and has evolved significantly as UK Royal Navy (RN) requirements have changed in recent years. The family of multi-role logistics ships was designed to support naval and amphibious forces, and was originally envisioned purely as a multi-role platform able to transport bulk cargo, vehicles and personnel for military operations or logistics support. In keeping with these roles, the ships had a large internal vehicle deck, a stern well dock for the stowage and loading of landing craft, weather deck stowage and accommodation for embarked personnel, combined with features for amphibious offload by sea and air. The series was designed as a naval auxiliary to IACS requirements and commercial rules, supplemented with naval standards for survivability, including redundant propulsion notation, IMO passenger ship stability regulations and enhanced naval stability requirements where specified.
The original versions of the ELLIDA included the ELLIDA 130 and ELLIDA 150, small amphibious units able to deploy with a small-scale embarked force and supporting lighter vehicles; and the ELLIDA 180 and ELLIDA 200 designs, multi-role platforms intended to deliver amphibious logistics but also able to conduct strategic transportation/logistics re-supply and offer wider fleet support as secondary roles.
Now, in addition to providing a platform with all of the above-mentioned capability, the ELLIDA STRIKE concept is focused much more heavily on offensive operations and on a platform able to support operations launched from the sea with a strike and air defence capability. It also makes greater use of modularity, and of the ability to be rapidly reconfigured for diverse roles.
Given its more wide-ranging capabilities – and the need to ensure that the platform has weight, space and power margins needed for platforms that could serve into the 2060s – the ELLIDA STRIKE platform is reported to have a length of around 213m, a beam of 35m and a displacement of 29,500tonnes. Illustrations released by BMT suggest that it will also be more heavily armed, with, potentially: a vertical launch missile system; an advanced radar system on an integrated mast and combat system; self-defence capability, such as 40mm guns and countermeasures systems; and new technology, such as the DragonFire-type laser-directed energy weapon system. It is anticipated that the vessel will also be able to embark multiple helicopters, such as the Merlin, and AUVs. Illustrations also suggest it will have a flight deck capable of handling larger aircraft than the Merlin, such as the CH-47 Chinook.
Reflecting on lessons from recent defence reviews and the RN’s detailed MRSS requirements, ELLIDA STRIKE also emphasises scalable capability, modularity and the integration of advanced technology such as uncrewed systems and flexible well dock operations. The vessel was designed with careful consideration of rapid personnel flow and human factors efficiency, an approach that, BMT says, “resonates with the RN’s ambition for platforms that support dispersed, forward-deployed commando forces, robust crisis response and seamless adaptation to emerging threats and operational contexts”.
For the full article, see the October 2025 issue of The Naval Architect
