Type 31 and Type 32 rely on offboard ASW

Would the Type 32 mine-countermeasures role make it less effective against submarines?

Its ASW role would remain limited and offboard, relying mainly on helicopters while uncrewed systems and divers handle minefields.

Their anti-submarine role is expected to remain limited and depend primarily on helicopters rather than the frigate entering the threat area. That does not disappear merely because Type 32 carries mine-countermeasures equipment. The same standoff logic governs mine warfare, with uncrewed vehicles entering the minefield while the ship remains outside it. Divers can still be supported where human intervention is necessary, so the mothership contributes through aviation, control, and specialist teams rather than close-hazard maneuvering.