Type 22 and Kidd classes performed modern cruiser work

What is the best modern cruiser?

Judged by cruiser roles rather than labels, the Type 22 and Kidd classes are stronger candidates than many ships formally designated cruisers.

Few satisfying choices remain among ships formally called cruisers, especially with Soviet-era designs aging and Ticonderogas retiring. Judging vessels by the traditional cruiser role of distant, self-sustaining presence produces different candidates. The Type 22 frigate performed that work particularly well for its period. The US-built Kidd class, originally intended for Iran and now serving Taiwan, also combined robust capability with accommodations and features useful for diplomacy and independent deployment.