Why cyber power cannot replace a warship’s presence

Can cyber capability substitute for conventional warships in a defence budget?

No. Cyber has real combat and intelligence value, but it cannot provide a deployed warship's visible presence and deterrence without first revealing itself through an attack.

Cyber forces have genuine combat and intelligence value, but funding them by hollowing out physical capabilities leaves the presence mission uncovered. Demonstrating cyber power for deterrence may require an actual attack. That use reveals methods, while an unsuccessful probe can expose vulnerabilities the opponent may then repair. A warship is a visible and controllable statement of capability that can deter before hostilities begin. Presence is a distinct military function, not an interchangeable line in a capabilities budget.