What frigate force should accompany twelve Type 45 destroyers and three carriers?
Short answerAbout 21-24 Type 26 frigates and 12-18 Type 31s, depending on whether the fleet fields four or six escort groups.
NotesThe force structure works backward from deployable escort groups rather than isolated class totals. Twelve Type 45 destroyers could support either four groups of three or six groups of two. Matching those groups with Type 26 frigates and covering strategic-deterrent support and other standing tasks produces a requirement of roughly 21-24 Type 26s. A further 12-18 Type 31s would provide the broader general-purpose escort force.