Why drones may not create a new ship type

Will navies create a distinct drone-oriented ship type as existing categories merge?

Probably not, because drones are likely to become normal equipment across many established ship types.

The answer distinguishes a new technology from a new naval role. Future frigates, destroyers, and other combatants are all likely to operate substantial numbers of uncrewed systems. Once drones become ordinary parts of aviation, sensing, mine warfare, or anti-submarine work, their presence no longer identifies a unique ship type. Classification will still depend more on the parent ship's mission, endurance, and place in the fleet.