Why drones may not merge frigates and destroyers

Will uncrewed systems cause frigates and destroyers to converge into a universal cruiser surrounded by drone mass?

Probably not: uncrewed craft can add sensors and weapons, but dependable communications and the different demands of air defence and ASW still constrain the fleet.

A large crewed ship surrounded by uncrewed escorts would depend on communications that a peer opponent could jam or disrupt, especially beyond line of sight. Limited sensor or weapon craft appear more credible here than an autonomous vessel of several thousand tons expected to conduct complete anti-submarine operations. Air defence still requires a large radar, substantial missile stocks, and electrical power for prospective laser weapons, while ASW needs sensors spread across a wider area. Small crewed frigates or enlarged patrol vessels could retain a place alongside high-end ASW ships. Offboard towed arrays could give one frigate several sensor positions and greater freedom to manoeuvre, including opportunities to search below a thermal layer. Line-of-sight control, potentially using laser links, is considered more viable than relying on continuous communication over the horizon. The crewed ship must remain capable of meeting its threats if its remote craft are lost. The objection to fully autonomous miniature warships is that their command decisions would require much the same competence as commanding the principal ships.