Official labels do not always describe the role a warship performs. Type 45, Type 26, and Type 31 are described here as variations on the cruiser idea. Their roles resemble those of Leander, Town, and D-class cruisers without an exact one-to-one lineage. This is a functional comparison rather than a proposal to reclassify the modern ships.
Notable Point · 2:34:34-2:35:00
When frigates and destroyers perform cruiser roles
Type 45, Type 26, and Type 31 can be compared with cruisers when judged by their fleet roles rather than their official labels.