Deterrence, presence, and layered force design

Sweden's return to sea-control-capable frigates raises the question of what should support them. Aircraft and drones add useful layers, but they cannot perform every diplomatic function of a warship that arrives and visibly represents state power. New systems usually integrate with an existing force instead of erasing every older function. Deterrence here means managing conflict by making aggression unattractive before combat starts. An Arleigh Burke destroyer illustrates the point: its own armament matters, and so does the carrier force an opponent expects behind it.