A crewed warship can anchor an uncrewed task group

One proposed future for destroyers and frigates makes them the crewed centers of small task groups supported by uncrewed surface vessels. The crewed combatant would retain substantial weapons and sensors, while its uncrewed escorts added missiles and spread the defensive coverage. It would coordinate surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare much as a cruiser once coordinated smaller escorts. Local coordination could also reduce the load that remote operation places on satellite communications. Helicopters and adequately sized crews could send maintenance parties when an uncrewed vessel breaks down. Robotics may eventually perform those repairs, but the planning advice is to prepare to use such technology without making fleet capability depend on its arrival.