Type 26 is judged to be progressing reasonably well while arriving far too late for Britain's needs. Gaps between Type 45, carrier and Type 26 construction form part of the criticism of escort procurement. In the counterfactual, three additional Type 45s could sometimes have taken patrol duties from Type 23 frigates, depending on destroyer availability. That would have relieved pressure on the older ships and improved their serviceability. The severity of the present escort gap is consequently blamed on linked procurement choices over time. Type 31 is expected to provide essential relief, with a Type 32 follow-on still a hope.
Chapter · 26:13-27:26
Late programs deepen Britain's escort gap
Late starts and gaps between major programs left the Royal Navy dependent on Type 31 to relieve pressure on its aging escort fleet.