BMT’s unveiling of the Ellida® Strike at DSEI 2025 wasn’t just another defense expo moment—it was a statement. In a year when the UK’s amphibious capabilities are under the microscope, this sleek, future-ready assault ship is making waves for all the right reasons. It’s not just about steel and specs; it’s about rethinking how navies respond to crises, project power, and support communities in need.

A scale model of the Ellida® Strike on display at DSEI 2025, showcasing its modular layout and amphibious capabilities. (Image: BMT)



The Ellida® Strike is designed to do what traditional warships can’t: adapt. Whether it’s delivering humanitarian aid, launching drones and helicopters, or deploying troops without relying on ports, this vessel is built for versatility. Its well deck can flood to release landing craft directly into the sea—a feature that turns the ship into a mobile beachhead. And with containerized PODS that snap on like mission-specific modules, it can transform from a command center to a hospital to a logistics hub in hours. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of naval platforms.

This matters because the Royal Navy is in transition. HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark—once the backbone of Britain’s amphibious force—have been sold to Brazil for £20 million, despite recent refits costing £72 million. Their replacements, the Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), won’t arrive until 2033. That leaves a gap in capability during a time when global instability and climate-driven disasters demand rapid, flexible response.

BMT isn’t claiming Ellida® Strike as the MRSS successor, but it’s clearly designed with that future in mind. “Every line of this ship has been drawn with purpose,” said Andy Kimber, BMT’s Chief Naval Architect. From propulsion to topside layout, it’s engineered for mission success. Tim Neild CBE, Head of Business Development, emphasized a “capability-led approach to design,” inviting collaboration and customization based on evolving needs.

Beyond its tactical edge, the ship is built with people in mind. Ergonomic layouts improve crew comfort and operational flow, which translates to better morale and sharper performance. In long deployments, that’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Ellida® Strike also features a digital backbone for advanced communications and enough surplus power to support future tech like directed energy weapons.

At DSEI 2025, visitors explored a digitized scale model with interactive features that showcased its layout and movement. It wasn’t just a display—it was a glimpse into what naval operations could look like in the next decade. And for a country recalibrating its defense posture, that vision couldn’t come at a better time.

So what should readers watch for next? Whether the Royal Navy embraces modular, multi-role ships like Ellida® Strike will shape its ability to respond to tomorrow’s challenges—from geopolitical flashpoints to humanitarian emergencies. The future of naval warfare isn’t just about firepower. It’s about flexibility, speed, and readiness. And Ellida® Strike is already sailing in that direction.

Source: BMT