Converted wartime destroyers provided one source of postwar fast frigates. New construction supplied another, illustrated by the Whitby, Rothesay and Leander designs and the spread of related ships to other navies. Anti-submarine warfare remained their main purpose, supported by the ability to operate in severe weather. The Leander example combines a twin 4.5-inch gun, Sea Cat missiles and a helicopter with that submarine-hunting role. Its gun also provides shore bombardment and a weapon against surface targets, while the helicopter has uses beyond anti-submarine warfare. Calling these ships anti-submarine cruisers captures their mission emphasis while recognising their broader capabilities.
Chapter · 25:35-27:54
Fast-frigate conversions and the Type 12 family
Postwar frigates emerged from destroyer conversions and new designs that combined submarine hunting with useful secondary capabilities.