A hybrid fleet keeps crewed frigates and destroyers at its centre as command, aviation, and repair hubs. Uncrewed escorts can carry towed sonars, launch close-defence missiles, act as decoys, and extend the screen around the main ship. The crewed combatant processes their data and reloads supporting aircraft nearby. These smaller vessels fill the gap between patrol craft and major combatants once occupied by sloops and destroyer escorts. Fuel, refuelling, and repair access still constrain their size and range, so the model works best as a coordinated force rather than a collection of independent remote patrols.
Chapter · 1:10:20-1:16:55
A hybrid navy uses uncrewed escorts around crewed warships
Uncrewed escorts are most useful as sensors, decoys, and close-defence layers coordinated and supported by crewed frigates or destroyers.