Mission-based Mk 41 loadouts and missile reserves

What Mk 41 loadouts should Type 26 and Type 31 frigates carry, and how many reloads should the Royal Navy keep?

At least five complete reloads per ship are preferred, with each missile mix tailored to its mission and coordinated across the task group.

The preferred reserve is at least five complete reloads for each ship, with concern that combat could consume even that stock quickly. An ideal loadout depends on the operation. North Atlantic anti-submarine work would favour more rocket-assisted torpedoes and anti-surface missiles, while a Gulf deployment would increase surface-to-air and anti-surface weapons. Ships within the same task group could carry different mixes so the group retained balanced capabilities. Loading every vessel alike could leave the force poorly prepared for an unexpected saturation attack. A further preference is for independently deployed Type 31s to act as air-defence frigates, with heavy CAMM provision and some ability to strike back.