How many missiles can a warship reasonably carry before it should be called an arsenal ship?
Short answerA first-rate modern combatant can plausibly carry about 140 to 160 missiles before the arsenal-ship label becomes more appropriate.
NotesThe age-of-sail first rate provides an analogy for a large but still general-purpose missile combatant. Around 140 weapons fits comfortably in that category, with the total perhaps rising to roughly 160. Beyond that point, the magazine begins to define the ship more than its other functions. VLS count therefore helps distinguish a very large combatant from a purpose-built arsenal ship.