The escort calculation starts with the ships required to protect the carrier and LHD groups. Each of three high-end formations would pair two Type 45 air-defence destroyers with three Type 26 anti-submarine frigates. Britain could operate a carrier group and an amphibious group simultaneously, leaving the third formation to cover availability or reinforce an allied operation. Canadian, Australian, American, and other allied escorts could enlarge the screen. Common task-group organization would make that support easier to integrate.
Chapter · 20:20-22:09
Three escort groups for carrier and amphibious task forces
Six Type 45 destroyers and nine Type 26 frigates would form three high-end escort groups sized around the simultaneous protection of carrier and amphibious forces.