The transition from Type 42 to Type 45 illustrates the danger of changing too much technology at once. With fewer continuous shipbuilding batches available for gradual evolution, the Royal Navy can instead use Type 23 frigate upgrades to prove selected systems in service. Those trials reduce uncertainty before the technologies are brought together in the Type 26 design. The example turns the carrier discussion into a broader lesson about managing technical risk across naval procurement programmes.
Notable Point · 31:43-32:30
How Type 23 upgrades de-risk Type 26 technology
A Royal Navy example shows how upgrades to an existing class can test systems for a future warship when continuous batches no longer provide a gradual development path.