Type 26 warfighting and Type 31 forward presence

Will Type 26 receive all of its intended weapons?

Probably, because a credible heavy presence role requires the intended equipment.

The February 2021 expectation is that Type 26 will receive its intended equipment because it must act as a capable warship and a substantial independent presence. Too few Type 45s are available to cover carrier and amphibious escort duties while also supplying every heavy presence deployment. Type 26 is expected to fill that gap when Britain wants a stronger signal than a lighter frigate can send, without deploying a carrier group. That role requires credible equipment rather than relying on fittings for weapons that are never installed.