Could small torpedoes delivered by drones cause torpedo bulges to return?
Short answerProbably internal torpedo defenses, such as double or triple hulls, combined with active countermeasures.
NotesExternal bulges could add underwater protection to ships already in service. New construction could instead incorporate internal defenses, including double or triple hulls. Active torpedo countermeasures would probably accompany that structural protection. The size and replacement cost of modern warships support the prediction that navies would use both approaches.