You have not been able to explain what the role of the GP escort is and why they are needed? I suspect it is for cruise missiles, if this is the case, they should be fitted to the Type 45s, they have space.
The extra time would allow a rethink of the Type 26, which if proceeded with now, will be to restricted.
Ultimately the AWD/ASW escort should merge and the Type 26 should begin that approach.
I do have some sympathy with the question over the purpose of the 5 GP T26s. I don't believe for a second they will get TLAM, which means that they will be used for general escort purposes where ASW or area AAW capabilities are not required - basically for flying the flag and making up numbers?
It is a valid question therefore to ask how and if we could get more bang for our buck spending the 1.5bn (5 x £300mn as I don't believe the 250mn hype). Also does having fewer T26s actually mean we get better use of the ones we have.
I would personally:
- Not upgrade 5 T23s - save the money.
- Use £250mn of the money I've saved on 4 Blackswans (fitted with the guns planned for the T26s), to support the existing Patrol fleet (i.e. Rivers), allowing it to cover the Caribbean, Gibraltar and South Atlantic). This easily covers what currently requires atleast 3 escorts and other supporting ships.
- Build an 8th Astute. Recent reports suggest the build was cost neutral, but I would allow £500mn for good measure. Having another Astute should allow the UK to permanently station one in the Indian Ocean / Far East. Plus gives real TLAM capability.
- Fit T45 with SSMs - should be cheap and cost neutral iusing kit from T23s.
- Build 6 Visby style corvettes. Estimate this to be £120mn per vessel - say 750mn in total, though would need to review weapon / sensor fit to keep as close as possible to current RN kit. Would see these ships as effectively providing a task force / major escort with a screen to protect from swarm / UAV / mini submarine attack.
Okay, you now have a major fleet of just 14 escorts - but instead now also have another 10 ships and one more sub. Crew numbers remain the same(ish).