Why prefer Type 26 for ASW when FREMM is still in production?

Why prefer Type 26 for anti-submarine warfare when FREMM is still in production?

Its design concentrates on submarine hunting and accepts compromises elsewhere. FREMM offers greater general-purpose flexibility, while Type 26's ASW advantage remains an on-paper assessment pending service.

Type 26 is described as a specialist submarine hunter whose design gives up some performance in other roles to concentrate on ASW. FREMM is a multi-mission frigate with a strong ASW capability and greater general-purpose flexibility. The stated preference is therefore for FREMM as a general-purpose frontline frigate and Type 26 for dedicated submarine hunting. The Type 26 comparison is explicitly prospective: its advantage is on paper, pending entry into service. Different priorities explain the preference without treating either design as universally superior.