The Leander list is divided into three batches whose alterations make the class name a poor shorthand for identical capability. Batch 1 ships surrendered their main gun for the Australian-origin Ikara anti-submarine missile, while Batch 2 exchanged the 4.5-inch gun for Exocet. Batch 3 comprised the broad-beam Leanders, whose behavior in heavy seas was more tolerable. Shared class names therefore concealed different roles and handling qualities.
Notable Point · 10:53-11:48
How Leander batches traded guns for Ikara and Exocet
A batch-by-batch comparison shows how Ikara, Exocet, and the broad-beam hull made Leander-class frigates operationally different despite a shared class name.