The handover from Type 23 to Type 26 is an equipment transition as well as a hull replacement. Some systems had been installed only during later Type 23 upgrades, making them candidates for inspection, refurbishment, and transfer to new ships. Much of this equipment would have served for only several years and might be due for refurbishment around the time of transfer anyway. The approach ties shipbuilding tempo to the orderly retirement of the older frigates.
Notable Point · 56:23-57:16
Reusing upgraded Type 23 equipment
Britain planned to move relatively recent Type 23 upgrades onto later Type 26s, using refurbishment and transfer to stretch a limited procurement budget.