Expanding missions make destroyers and frigates grow

Early destroyer development follows a pattern that still drives modern warship growth. When navies add threats and roles, ships need more weapons, systems, power, and support space. That accumulation can make modern frigates and destroyers as large as older cruisers even when planners would prefer smaller hulls. Uncrewed craft are more likely to replace the smaller vessels within escort groups than every large multipurpose combatant in a task group.