How would you improve the River-class OPVs without turning them into frigates?
Short answerAdd stronger guns, close-in defense, and limited aviation support, but stop before missile, power, and crewing demands recreate a Type 31.
NotesThe hypothetical Batch 3 first depends on a procurement caveat: better-armed patrol ships must not become a reason to cancel the frigates they would supplement. The proposed gun options are an OTO Melara 76 mm or the 57 mm system selected for Type 31, with Phalanx for close-in defense. StanFlex would be the preferred modular arrangement, while a telescopic hangar and perhaps two additional 30 mm guns are offered as more realistic additions. Adding more complex weapons would rapidly increase power, crew, and systems requirements until the ship approached a Type 31. Rivers would still have a separate role at Gibraltar and on presence missions where the shortage of warships leaves a need for simpler vessels.