Could another Type 45 upgrade require a longer hull?

What might the next generation of Type 45 upgrades require?

Possibly a hull section for additional power and VLS capacity, although the port shaft complicates that idea and a faster Type 83 programme could make it unnecessary.

One tentative expectation is that the Royal Navy might eventually lengthen a Type 45 by cutting it amidships and inserting another hull section. Type 26 and other BAE designs are described as having provision for such enlargement, while assurances that Type 45 could accept it come from conversations about the design. Available void and electrical drawings appear encouraging, but the port shaft running through the centre of the ship raises a specific concern. More machinery space and additional VLS capacity are possible reasons for considering the operation. The proposal is accompanied by the hope that a quicker and smoother Type 83 programme would make it unnecessary.