Could the Type 45 be considered a cruiser?

Does the Type 45's size and ability to operate independently make it a cruiser?

Its helicopter and potential Mark 41 fit point toward light-cruiser capability, but the additional weapons were allowed for rather than installed, leaving it a destroyer.

The Type 45's helicopter gives it useful anti-submarine capability despite the ship's air-defence specialization. Size and independent operation are not the decisive limits. A Mark 41 vertical-launch fit would move the design toward light-cruiser capability by adding weapons the hull was allowed to receive. The delivered ship has space for that system but does not carry it, leaving the Type 45 within the destroyer category.