Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 20:55-21:55

Hypersonics and British frigate trade-offs

The Type 31 may have more adaptation space, but adding hypersonic weapons would displace other capabilities.

Hypersonic MissilesNaval ProcurementType 26 FrigateType 31 Frigate
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Question

Could the Royal Navy's planned frigates and destroyers carry hypersonic missiles?

Short answer

Probably in some cases, but integration depends on missile scale and means sacrificing other capability; Type 83 is the more natural candidate.

Notes

A future Type 83 is the more plausible hypersonic host because its design had not yet been fixed. Type 31 may be easier to adapt than its lighter role suggests because the hull retains considerable internal space. Type 26 could also carry such a weapon if its scale and launcher requirements fit. Extra volume does not make integration free: hypersonic missiles would displace other weapons or mission equipment and alter the ship's intended balance.