Magazine depth depends on how many defensive missiles a crew fires at each target. The starting assumption here is two missiles per target, although a successful single shot in an exercise can encourage a smaller salvo. The pressure to stop an incoming missile can turn shoot-look-shoot into shoot-shoot-look. Alex Clarke's qualified Falklands recollection involving HMS Invincible describes further shots while missiles approached the carrier. The captain's identity and exact launch sequence remain uncertain. Ammunition estimates therefore need to account for combat firing choices and repeated engagements.
Notable Point · 30:28-32:00
Combat firing can consume missiles faster than exercises suggest
The Falklands example explains why defensive salvo sizes can increase when an incoming missile threatens a ship in wartime.