Q&A · 19:52-20:04

Sea Wolf and Exocet on Batch 3 Leanders

A short procurement answer links earlier missile availability to the original fit of late Leander-class frigates.

Exocet Missile Leander Class Frigates Naval Procurement Royal Navy Sea Wolf Missile

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Question

If Exocet and Sea Wolf had entered service in 1969, could Batch 3 Leanders have carried them from new?

Short answer

Yes; that is a strong possibility.

Notes

The limiting issue in this counterfactual is the date at which the weapons become available. With both systems ready by 1969, fitting them during construction rather than through later modernization becomes a credible option for the Batch 3 ships.