Type 26 as a drone mothership

Could a Type 26 hull carry small UAVs and underwater drones?

Yes; its mission space already gives it substantial capacity to operate uncrewed systems.

The answer treats the concept as close to existing intent rather than a radical conversion. Its large adaptable spaces are particularly useful for changing uncrewed payloads over the ship's service life. Small UAVs can extend surveillance while underwater vehicles reinforce anti-submarine and seabed missions. The ship's value as a mothership comes from flexible handling and support capacity, not merely deck space.