If lightweight Sea Wolf existed in the 1970s, which Sea Cat ships would be upgraded?
Short answerShips with enough remaining life and sensor capacity, especially Leanders, some Counties, Amazons, and perhaps carriers.
NotesShips expected to survive into the 1980s and able to accept the necessary sensors would receive priority. That could include some County-class ships, more Leanders, Amazon-class frigates, and possibly carriers. A lightweight missile fit would improve self-defence for an escort working alone and let it contribute to the layered defence of a task group. An escort placed along the threat axis could attempt to engage aircraft or anti-ship missiles heading toward a high-value ship. Budget and integration limits prevent fitting every ship, so remaining service life and operational usefulness become the deciding criteria.