A low purchase price can invite criticism of a frigate's quality, yet sustained production offers another explanation for the cost. The total cited here is 58 ships with more coming, excluding some built for Pakistan. That large production run allows the yards to reduce costs across the programme. American ambitions for a future frigate production line and Britain's Type 31 frigate factory pursue a similar approach. Building more ships around a dependable design can bring down the cost of each vessel.
Chapter · 4:09-5:02
Long production runs and lower frigate costs
A production figure of 58 ships supports the argument that sustained frigate construction can lower unit costs, with comparisons to British and American ambitions.