Container ships can hide weapons but not replace warships

Could container ships carrying anti-ship missiles reshape modern naval design?

Container ships may have a niche as disguised Q-ships, while an openly fighting arsenal ship needs many additional systems and protections.

A surprise missile launch from a container ship is much easier than keeping an arsenal ship useful after it reveals itself. A merchant hull can carry weapons, while sustained combat also requires defenses, sensors, survivability, and integration with a force. Container subdivision is designed around cargo and buoyancy, and the hull remains slow and poorly maneuverable under attack. Concealment may create one opportunity without producing an enduring naval capability.