The proposed endurance is 12,000 nautical miles at roughly 15 knots, with a top speed of 28 knots. These figures suit independent patrol and presence work, while carrier-battle-group escort is excluded from the intended role. Piracy, fisheries protection, and other maritime-security problems are examples of missions for a modest naval vessel. Its arrival can communicate that the United States is watching developments and has an interest in the region. Sending a small frigate can also deliberately belittle a rival's regional forces by signalling that a larger formation is considered unnecessary.
Notable Point · 1:29:01-1:29:53
FF(X) endurance and independent patrol work
A proposed 12,000-nautical-mile range suits independent FF(X) patrols, maritime security, and diplomatic signalling.