Could medium powers build 20,000-ton cruisers?

Do cruisers around 20,000 tons make sense for navies such as Japan, Britain, France, Italy, or Germany?

Japan is already moving toward cruiser-scale Aegis ships, and 15,000- to 18,000-ton designs could make sense when ships must host and support uncrewed systems.

Japan's large Aegis-equipped vessels show that cruiser-scale construction is not limited to the United States or China. Ships in the roughly 15,000- to 18,000-ton range could provide a useful next price point for medium powers. That hull can carry major weapons and sensors while also serving as a command and maintenance node. Facilities for smaller drones add another reason to accept the larger displacement.