The Royal Navy's Type 83 numbers problem

How many Type 83 destroyers should be built, how many are likely, and could Commonwealth navies buy them?

At least eight are needed and twelve to sixteen would be ideal, but six are more likely; Commonwealth customers could purchase them.

The preferred fleet would contain twelve to sixteen ships, but the speakers regard that as politically unrealistic. Eight is the stated minimum, while six may result if Type 83 simply replaces Type 45 hull for hull. A transition period retaining Type 45s could temporarily create a twelve-destroyer force, and Commonwealth navies could buy the design if they chose.