Type 23 outlives its Cold War task-group assumptions

Type 23 was conceived as a light frigate, with an original ambition for 24 ships and roughly 18 years of service. Some early ships were expected to retire before the final vessels entered service, whereas several have now served into their thirties. The fit of 32 Sea Wolf missiles, eight Harpoons, a 4.5-inch gun and two 30 mm mounts assumed a large supporting task group. American carriers, British Invincible-class carriers with Harriers, Type 42 destroyers and Type 22 frigates would cover wider threats while Type 23 concentrated on submarines and local self-defence. Later diplomatic deployments and smaller escort groups imposed much broader responsibilities. In the example of a carrier group with two destroyers and two frigates, both frigates must contribute materially to air defence. CAMM improved their capability, but the underlying limits on ship numbers and missile capacity remained.