A large fleet can surround specialist escorts with general-purpose ships, air-defence ships and other supporting assets. That makes it more likely that each specialist will receive work suited to its strengths. In a smaller fleet, the same ship must cover more duties because fewer alternatives are available. Those additional tasks require hull space, people and systems that compete with its main mission. Reducing fleet numbers while retaining the old assumptions about specialisation therefore creates operational strain.
Notable Point · 30:09-31:24
Fleet size sets the limits of specialisation
A specialist frigate depends on other ships being available to cover the tasks its design gives lower priority.