Daring-class destroyers embodied wartime lessons in a powerful postwar gun-and-torpedo ship. Six 4.5-inch guns in three twin turrets could contribute to anti-aircraft work, while torpedoes and an ASW mortar preserved other parts of the destroyer mission. The possibility of carrying mines is described as theoretical. These ships provided interim cover while missile ships were developed and their requirements became clearer. Some served for much longer with foreign navies, which were more willing than Britain to fund missile upgrades.
Chapter · 54:13-58:28
Daring-class balance before guided missiles
Six 4.5-inch guns, torpedoes, and an ASW mortar gave the Daring class broad capability while navies worked toward guided-missile ships.