Is the Type 23 a better frigate than the Oliver Hazard Perry?
Short answerFor Britain, its ASW focus can justify the extra capability; for the US, the ability to buy a much larger force is often the stronger argument.
NotesThe answer calls both designs useful low-cost escorts rather than declaring one universally superior. Type 23 gains an edge for a Royal Navy that values specialized anti-submarine performance and plans to build only roughly sixteen to eighteen ships. The United States needed around fifty Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates for widespread escort work, so even a modest increase in unit cost could reduce the fleet by about ten hulls. Britain can accept a smaller numerical difference and may also find the more specialized force easier to crew. The better design therefore depends on national doctrine, procurement scale, and manpower rather than on a single capability score.