Should Type 83 be an air-defense derivative of Type 26, or is a new design justified?
Short answerA Type 26 derivative is feasible, but the available lead time makes a purpose-built design worth pursuing.
NotesA Type 26 variant is possible, but the Royal Navy has enough lead time to seek a better purpose-built solution. The decade available before likely ordering should be used to define the requirement and develop the design rather than locking prematurely onto the existing frigate hull.