From ASDIC escorts to uncrewed submarine-hunting groups

Wartime anti-submarine attacks ideally used two or three ships, allowing one to maintain ASDIC contact while another engaged. Hedgehog and Squid improved a single ship's ability to attack, although cooperation remained desirable. Helicopters and towed arrays later multiplied the sensors and weapons available to a frigate dealing with targets in three dimensions. USVs and uncrewed aircraft are envisaged as further hunting elements in that structure. As crewed ships grow in capability, cost and size, fewer can be built. Smaller systems can cover the resulting gaps while extending what the group can accomplish.