Radar cross-section versus a warship's missile capacity

How important is radar-cross-section reduction for surface combatants compared with fighters?

Ships must balance reduced detectability against the weapons required for a sustained fight and escort duties.

Fighters can emphasise low detectability during a brief attack and withdrawal. A surface combatant may have to remain with a force and fight repeatedly. Signature reduction becomes counterproductive if it leaves too little missile capacity. Visby provides the example of this design tension. Convoy escort makes the tradeoff clear because the warship must protect other vessels through an engagement.