I've been asking this elsewhere, but would fitting ASTER actually be feasible for C1. Would it need a more powerful radar on the ship like the T45 radars to be useful? I'm assuming the ASTER 30 definitely couldn't be used (shame since whacking a few in could make up for the lack of T45's).
On a similar note, what is so different about CAMM and ASTER 15 in terms of capabilities? They both seem to have similar ranges/targets. If anything CAMM will just be a little more modern. Either way, if aster 30 can't be fitted, no point in using Aster 15 either, since CAMM can be quadpacked = 4 x more missiles in the same space.
I read somewhere that CAMM is going onto the T23's at their last refit then having their TAS, CAMM, Radar removed and fitted to C1 as necessary.
The way forward is commonality, which will bring huge cost savings to the table, CAMM will be both a ship and land based system based on a common missile (based on improved ASRAAM or AASM hardware) currently designed for fixed wing aircraft, replacing both Rapier and Seawolf in the short term. Range could match that of ASTOR 15. The same will happen with the next generation of Naval Gun for C1 & C2, basically a marinised version of the 155mm, allowing ammunition types, such as Excalibur to be fired ship to shore.
CAMM will offer a much cheaper solution than ASTOR 15, simply because of the size of the potential order (land & sea) and use of common technology. Becuase of advances in missile technology, CAMM will provide a leap in capability over Seawolf against UAV, sea skimmers and aircraft when retro-fitted to the T23, it can also utilise existing tracking radar, thus greatly reducing integration costs. Fitting CAMM to the T23, coupled with ongoing upgrades to their AsW capabilities means they will remain excellent ships for some time to come, after all they were designed specifically to run silent during AsW operations.
One interesting area will be the 155mm, development. The current 40mm CTA project for the Warrior enhancement programme is considered to be a leap in technology comparable to the introduction of the rifled barrel. The reduction in working parts, size of round, breach size, logistics tail and punch (equivalent to current 50mm rounds) represents a step change in capability. Because of the success the partnership see no reason why the same concept cannot be applied to 120mm or 155mm. If switching to rail gun technology appears far too expensive, I can see a marinised 155mm CTA round being an option for a Naval gun and/or a120mm version developed for armour.
Now BAE has been given a 15-year contract to supply most of the UK's ammunition, it wouldn't surprise me if they are looking at developing a series of new generation CTA tank / naval guns to leverage off what they have achieved with the French partnership.
