In this interpretation, the Type 31 is a gun-heavy sloop with 57 mm and 40 mm weapons. Its 57 mm gun may still be too light for the heavier naval gunfire-support mission required by troops ashore. If the Type 31 cannot fill that role, amphibious operations place greater demand on Type 26 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. A frigate can carry several guns without being equipped for the shore-support mission discussed here.
Notable Point · 12:24-13:03
The Type 31 gun suite and the shore-support gap
The Type 31's gun-heavy design is welcome, but its 57 mm weapon may be too light for full naval gunfire support, leaving heavier escorts to cover amphibious operations.