The red dragon on the bow is an identification detail rather than a serious camouflage weakness on an eight-thousand-ton modern warship. More consequential is the gap between the Type 45's excellent Sea Viper air-defence system and its unrealized growth potential. The desired additions are Mk 41 vertical-launch cells, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, and SM-3 ballistic-missile defence. Keeping a different Western air-defence family alongside Standard Missile could also make allied capabilities less predictable to an opponent. Type 45s feel comparatively spacious and comfortable for warships. Dragon's core air-defence role remains strong despite the missing additions.
Notable Point · 10:16-12:51
HMS Dragon, Sea Viper, and unused Type 45 potential
Number eight praises HMS Dragon's Type 45 air-defence design while questioning capabilities left fitted for but not with.