Why StanFlex requires a fleetwide commitment

StanFlex is useful when a navy commits to the system across its fleet, including smaller ships such as offshore patrol vessels. Adding it to one escort design creates a wider programme decision for operators that do not already use it. A generally available Black Swan-style escort would therefore need to accommodate customers with different approaches to modular equipment. The proposed arrangement retains permanent launch cells for surface-to-air and strategic-length missiles while using interchangeable modules for gun and close-in weapon mounts. Putting the VLS itself into StanFlex modules is considered an inefficient use of space in this design.