Missile loadouts follow the deployment

Are modern warships always fully loaded with missiles?

It depends on the navy and mission; ships near home may carry less, while units deploying with a task group into the Indian Ocean and South China Sea are likely fully loaded.

The cost of missiles means a navy does not necessarily fill every launcher for every routine movement. Geography and mission are the key variables. A ship operating near home can accept a lighter outfit, while a unit entering the Indian Ocean or South China Sea with a carrier group needs a wartime-ready load. Paper magazine capacity can therefore differ substantially from the force available on deployment.