A totally new approach to coastal defence has been introduced by Dawson, Lucas and Associates who are based in England.

The MCDS Project aims to provide an infinitely flexible self-defence capability for any country which has exposed low-lying, or estuary coastline, possibly unstable relations with its neighbours, and a presently limited naval presence. The Arabian Gulf states and the countries of USA, West Africa, Central and South America, and Indonesia and the Pacific Rim would all benefit from the MCDS Project.

For the cost of one traditional type larger warship, the MCDS Project can equip a country with a whole fleet of multi-purpose base units which can when appropriately fitted out, deter even the most determined aggressor. Also, whereas a traditional type warship would be several years in the design and build stages, an MCDS unit can be supplied within the relatively short period of six months from the date of order. An MCDS unit can be supplied, appropriately converted, from a base price of $45,000,000, which compares extremely favourably with a traditional type warship at circa $575,000,000.

Crewing of a traditional type warship usually consists of in excess of 250 men, but an MCDS unit can operate on a ships crew of 10/15 men plus the necessary weapons technicians - thus creating a vast saving in manpower and running costs.