A low price can reflect limited equipment. Adding required sensors, computers, missiles and crew accommodation changes the comparison. A nominal £120 million ship is estimated to become a £400 million to £500 million ship after adaptation. Type 31 illustrates the same argument: its initial bare-bones price cannot be assumed after adding Mk 41 launchers and other systems. The fuller fit is estimated here to bring its unit cost close to £500 million.
Notable Point · 57:00-58:23
Why frigate prices rise with their combat systems
Hull-price comparisons change once both ships carry the equipment needed for the same mission.