BMT, a leading international multi-disciplinary engineering and ship design consultancy, has unveiled ELLIDA® STRIKE – a forward-looking conceptual design of what a future multi-role strike ship could offer the UK Royal Navy.

ELLIDA® STRIKE – BMT’s latest evolution in proprietary multi-role platform design – embodies advanced autonomy, modular adaptability and robust operational endurance. Purpose-engineered for future amphibious operations, the vessel features scalable mission architecture and cutting-edge digital integration, enabling Navy Commandos to seamlessly transition between humanitarian aid and high-end warfighting scenarios. This design leverages family heritage from the proven ELLIDA platform range, delivering maximum latitude for evolving operational needs.

BMT’s ELLIDA® STRIKE has been developed to align with the Royal Navy’s future amphibious fleet recapitalisation, aiming to replace ageing ships with a new generation of versatile and adaptable vessels. Created to explore many facets of next-generation littoral strike design – while drawing on aspects of the evolving MRSS programme but not representing a specific solution – the concept demonstrates how modern design principles can address complex operational requirements across missions ranging from humanitarian aid to high-end warfighting. Reflecting on lessons from recent defence reviews and the Royal Navy’s detailed MRSS requirements, ELLIDA® STRIKE emphasises scalable capability, modularity and the integration of advanced technologies such as uncrewed systems and flexible well dock operations. The vessel has been designed for operation, with careful consideration of rapid personnel flow and human factors efficiency. This approach resonates with the Navy’s ambition for platforms that support dispersed, forward-deployed commando forces, robust crisis response and seamless adaptation to emerging threats and operational contexts.

“Rapid flexibility, without compromise” – ELLIDA® STRIKE showcases BMT’s commercial pedigree in modular design, equipped to reconfigure mission spaces using containerised PODS for medical support, logistics or C2 operations. The platform’s unrivalled internal ‘latitude’ (growth potential), drawn from decades of ELLIDA development, allows seamless upgrades and spiral capability growth, reducing risk and maximising return on investment for fleet recapitalisation.

“Having once commanded a ship of this class, I can say with confidence that ELLIDA® STRIKE is the kind of platform every naval officer would want under their command,” said Tim Neild CBE, Head of Business Development, UK & Europe at BMT. “It’s engineered for mission success and reflects our commitment to supporting the Royal Navy’s future amphibious ambitions.”

Design philosophy

ELLIDA® STRIKE is designed from the keel up to reflect uncompromising naval standards and optimal operational flow. While not a direct answer to the anticipated MRSS specification, it showcases design elements that are relevant and demonstrates the full range of capabilities which would protect the vessel in demanding conditions and support a wide range of missions. The concept prioritises efficient construction and real-world operability, offering a credible vision of what a future amphibious platform could look like.

At the core of ELLIDA® STRIKE lies a powerful digital backbone, supporting advanced command and control, uncrewed surface and rotary assets and 360° situational awareness. The ship’s proprietary architecture enables real-time connectivity, digital twin visualisation and smart systems, de-risking future operations while enhancing interoperability within UK (and beyond UK) maritime assets. This integration is the cornerstone of BMT’s next-generation family approach.

“Every line of this ship has been drawn with purpose,” said Andy Kimber, BMT’s Chief Naval Architect. “From propulsion to topside arrangement, ELLIDA® STRIKE is engineered to deliver mission success in any theatre.”

Key features of the ELLIDA® STRIKE design

The ELLIDA® STRIKE concept is designed around modularity, enabling rapid reconfiguration for mission-specific roles such as medical support, command and control, logistics or combat readiness through containerised PODS. Its strike capability integrates long-range precision missile systems, enhancing fleet lethality and operational reach. The ship supports combined air manoeuvre operations, capable of launching and recovering both crewed and uncrewed rotary platforms, which adds flexibility and redundancy to mission planning.

Engineered for operational safety and mission assurance, ELLIDA® STRIKE’s side-by-side well dock layout – pioneered through collaboration with Royal Marine Commandos – reduces vulnerability and ensures redundancy. This unique feature supports efficient launch and recovery of landing craft and autonomous vessels, vital for dispersed, forward-deployed forces and resilient crisis response, with stability solutions that reflect BMT’s uncompromising naval standards.

A welldeck facilitates efficient launch and recovery of landing craft and autonomous vessels, vital for amphibious assaults and humanitarian missions. At its core, ELLIDA® STRIKE features a robust digital backbone that enhances connectivity and supports advanced command and control systems. The design also prioritises human-centric principles, with ergonomic layouts that improve onboard living and working conditions, ultimately boosting crew well-being and mission performance.

A platform for dialogue

“Whilst ELLIDA® STRIKE is not the final answer, it’s a strong foundation for further development”, says Neild. “It invites discussion, collaboration and refinement. As the Royal Navy continues to shape its requirements, we stand ready to adapt and evolve our design to meet the needs of tomorrow’s operations. This concept represents a capability-led approach to design – showcasing what’s possible and demonstrating that BMT has both the expertise and the openness to partner as requirements mature.”

BMT’s ELLIDA® STRIKE design elevates crew well-being and operational flow through refined ergonomic layouts, flexible accommodation and rapid personnel movement pathways. This human-centric approach ensures optimal performance across diverse missions, reinforcing BMT’s commitment to delivering future-ready, value-driven platforms for the Royal Navy – and continuing the legacy of the ELLIDA family’s adaptable support ship tradition.

Visitors to DSEI 2025 in London (9–12 September) will be the first to see the digitised marine scale model of ELLIDA® STRIKE – the latest evolution in BMT’s proprietarydesigned ELLIDA® multirole platform family. The interactive model offers a detailed view of the vessel’s layout, demonstrating movement and design tailored to customer requirements. Drawing on the heritage of the ELLIDA® family, this debut at DSEI provides an engaging, handson showcase – and an immersive glimpse into the future of UK littoral strike capability.
Source: BMT