Modern ships for the counter-piracy role

Could Type 45 destroyers and Batch 2 River-class patrol vessels perform the old China Station anti-piracy role?

River-class ships could fill the sloop role, but Type 31 frigates are a better routine fit than the high-end Type 45; rotary UAVs would make the patrol vessels more effective.

The Type 45 destroyer and Type 26 frigate are compared to heavy cruisers whose high-end capabilities exceed the normal demands of this mission. Either could perform the work, but doing so would spend scarce fleet assets on tasks that less specialized ships can handle. The Type 31 offers a light-cruiser-like presence suited to sustained patrol and engagement. River-class patrol vessels can fill the old sloop role, especially if rotary uncrewed aircraft extend their search radius. For a policing mission, endurance, presence, sensors, and cost matter more than maximum combat power.