Why do Royal Navy destroyers not carry an ASROC-like rocket-delivered torpedo?
Short answerBritain has emphasized Merlin helicopters for torpedo delivery, while adopting ASROC would add a separate integration and support burden.
NotesA rocket-assisted torpedo such as ASROC could be useful aboard a Royal Navy destroyer. Finding room in a vertical-launch system solves only part of the problem because a new missile also requires purchase, integration, training, and support. British anti-submarine warfare places greater weight on Merlin helicopters able to carry and deliver multiple torpedoes. Weapon selection is therefore a doctrinal and whole-system choice rather than a matter of launcher compatibility alone.