Air defence alone does not make a useful warship

Should air defence take priority over anti-submarine, anti-surface, and land-attack capabilities?

No. Type 83 needs air defence and credible offensive capabilities, because a ship that can only defend itself is of limited use.

Air defence is indispensable, but a ship able only to protect itself contributes too little to a fleet. A useful major combatant also needs ways to engage submarines, surface ships, and land targets. This multi-role requirement helps explain why Type 83 cannot be reduced to radar and surface-to-air missiles alone.