The cost of a future convoy escort would depend heavily on its combat systems. Sharing a small number of systems ashore could reduce duplication, but dependence on satellite links and a central facility would create a single point of failure. A possible compromise places sufficient processing and fighting capability aboard one capable escort in the convoy. Simpler drone pickets could then supply sensor information while that ship makes decisions. A dedicated drone mothership is another suggested arrangement. These are proposals for investigation, with the tradeoff between equipment cost and dependence on a central controller left open. In a later 2021 exchange, the Constellation class is identified as the intended replacement for the Perry frigates, with a cautious hope that it would fulfil that role.
Notable Point · 1:50:39-1:53:29
Why cheap escorts still need combat systems
Sharing combat systems could lower convoy-escort costs, but concentrating control ashore would make the screen vulnerable to a single failure.