Missile barges create an escort chain

Uncrewed missile barges would need protection while traveling between their base and the force they support. Their missile cargo would make them targets for submarines, special forces, and other attackers, potentially requiring a warship escort. Empty vessels returning to reload would need replacements already available, so long transit distances increase the number of barges required. HMS Dragon's voyage from Britain toward Cyprus illustrates the effect of distance, fuel expenditure, and engine wear on transit speed. Faster passage also adds maintenance demand. Repeatedly deferring maintenance to surge ships is blamed for concentrating repair needs beyond the available dry-dock capacity, which had assumed more orderly maintenance schedules.