How truncated warship runs inflate unit costs

The Type 45 example separates the cost of building another ship from the average cost after research and development. The planned 12-ship programme was estimated at £8-9 billion, but stopping at six left roughly £6 billion spread across those six. Estimates for the next six vary: about £350 million each is suggested, with other estimates around £400 million or below £300 million. Using £400 million gives an illustrative total of £8.4 billion for 12 ships. These are estimates discussed in the video, not a settled quotation for a renewed order. Later Type 23s also benefited from production experience, while the first Type 45s carried costs associated with restarting yards. Zumwalt spread development intended for 32 ships across three, but added requirements also contributed to its expense. Longer production would reduce unit costs without making those requirements free.