Why Leander-class Exocets were effectively port-reload weapons

Could the exposed Exocet launchers on a Leander-class frigate be reloaded at sea?

Only in theory; operationally the ship would expend the mounted missiles and return to port to reload.

The externally mounted Exocet launchers on a Leander-class frigate did not provide a practical at-sea reload cycle. A theoretical reload capability could be imagined. In service, however, handling replacement missiles aboard the frigate was not a realistic routine procedure. The operational measure is therefore the number already mounted, followed by a return to port for replenishment.