The counterfactual changes the wider escort fleet. Modernized Perrys back up the Burkes, take more of the ASW load, and reduce dependence on one destroyer family. LCS can then concentrate on mine warfare and littoral tasks instead of covering the missing ASW-frigate role. The illustrative force approaches 140 escorts: roughly three dozen Perrys, three dozen LCS hulls, and about 75 Burkes. A gap in one ship type can otherwise distort several later programs.
Notable Point · 1:18:20-1:29:43
A VLS Perry changes US Navy force structure
A continued Perry line would reduce pressure on Burkes and let LCS focus on littoral missions instead of trying to be every missing escort at once.