Why a globally deployed Type 83 grows toward cruiser size

How large might the Royal Navy's Type 83 become, and why?

Potentially around cruiser size, because worldwide deployment and a broad general-purpose role could require a larger ship.

Regular cruises to the Far East could push Type 83 displacement above that of an escort designed mainly for the North Sea and North Atlantic. Alex Clarke and Drachinifel began an exploratory design at about 15,000 tons and worked from there to accommodate general-purpose capability. The intended comparison was with the broad role originally envisaged for HMS Bristol. Clarke also recalls that the selected Type 45 was the second-smallest design among those his father worked on. These are an exploratory proposal and a personal recollection, rather than announced Type 83 specifications.