Modern tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are compared with cavalry in their mobility and ability to break through formations. Infantry still has the role of taking and holding positions after a breakthrough. At sea, the peacetime presence work of modern escorts resembles the older cruising role. Frigates are characterised as ASW cruisers, destroyers as air-defence cruisers, and larger combatants as leaders for the most demanding fighting. The proposed balance combines numerous frigate hulls with the greater magazine depth of larger ships. Technology changes the available power and threats, while the argument for maintaining that mix rests on continuing missions.
Notable Point · 56:14-58:31
Enduring military roles and a balanced fleet
The comparison of cavalry, armour, and cruising roles leads to an argument for frigate numbers alongside larger ships with greater magazine depth.