Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:53:12-1:54:12

Replacing Type 22 required more Type 45 capability

A frigate-retirement answer connects lost Type 22 numbers to the scale and missile flexibility of the Type 45 force.

Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM)Royal NavyType 22 FrigateType 45 DestroyerVertical Launch Systems
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Question

If the Type 22 frigates had remained in Royal Navy service, when and how would they need replacement?

Short answer

They would already have reached retirement age, and their fleet contribution should have been absorbed through a larger Type 45 programme equipped from the start with broader VLS capacity.

Notes

The Type 22s could not simply remain in service indefinitely to cover a modern escort shortage. Their tasks and hull numbers had to be replaced by a later programme. The Type 45 is the relevant successor in capability terms, but too few were built and a broader launcher fit should have been included from the beginning. Retirement, class size, and weapon architecture combine to create or close a fleet gap.