Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:19:26-2:20:13

Why Type 45 received reused CAMM launchers

The Type 45 retrofit is criticized as a decision to reuse available Type 23 CAMM launchers, with Mark 41 considered a feasible alternative.

Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM)Mark 41 VLSNaval ProcurementRoyal NavyType 45 Destroyer
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Question

Was reusing Type 23 CAMM launchers on Type 45 intended to hedge against a possible interruption in Mark 41 supply?

Short answer

No. The stated reason is a reuse-driven retrofit decision, while Mark 41 modules could instead have been ordered in time.

Notes

The proposed supply-security explanation is rejected in favor of an immediate hardware-reuse decision. Retiring Type 23 frigates made their CAMM launchers available for Type 45. The criticism is that Mark 41 modules could instead have been ordered and obtained when the decision was made. That would have preserved more launcher flexibility than reusing the smaller cells.