Escort carriers could hunt missile-armed raiders

A carrier is the straightforward answer to a missile-armed surface raider, although full fleet carriers would be more valuable for offensive work. A light escort carrier or a converted Tiger-class cruiser could instead combine forward guns with extensive helicopter facilities aft. Radar-equipped helicopters could provide warning and targeting, allowing the ship to answer an approaching missile salvo before closing for gunfire. This cheaper counter-raider force would combine aviation and guns, but it would still depend on supporting systems and ships.