Hmmm. Let's hope not! Only 24 VLS cells up front.
Can't sleep cause I am jet lagged, so am pondering on this.
I think it is apparent that LM/BAE submitted at least four different variants of the Type 26 for RCN to consider. This was probably to cover different options for the AAW vs GP/ASW platforms. I have seen all four of these at various times.
1) 24 VLS cells + 6 ExLS cells midship
2) 32 VLS cells + 6 ExLS cells midship
3) 24 VLS cells + 2 x SeaRAM midship
4) 24 VLS cells + 2 x Phalanx midship
There are probably others. What they were doing was probably demonstrating the flexibility and expandability of the ship.
What we will probably see is two variants, one with 24 VLS cells (GP/ASW) and one with 32 VLS cells (AAW). This because Procurement Canada will find any way to cheap out, even if it is only the cost of 8 empty cells. I don't have an issue with this, as the CSC will still be superior to the Halifax, but I think the costs savings is minuscule compared to the program cost and ultimately takes away far too much capability to be justifiable. It would be best if all the ships came equipped the same - with 32 VLS cells + whatever CIADS they decide. This would give the fleet far more flexibility.
If it was my choice, I would put 48 VLS cells + 2 Millennium guns for CIADS (just to keep John Fedup happy), eliminate the ExLS cells/SeaRAM/Phalanx and NSM canisters. The additional cost (guessing $30M per ship), though not insignificant, is minimal when considering the cost of the entire ship. 48 cells could accommodate whatever missile combination they want including putting the NSM in VLS cells instead of on deck, ESSM, SM2, CAMM (if they want), RAM (if they want). It would also be much more flexible as MK41 cells would not be limited to CAMM or RAM as the ExLS cells are. Future expandability would be putting the ExLS cells midships.
Just my two cents.
One final note, a bit off topic; why do they only get 4 RAM in an ExLS canister. The RAM missile is only 160mm in diameter and the Canister should be ~ 560 mm square, there should be room for 8 with a central exhaust port, but the brochure shows only 4. I think LM/Raytheon should sharpen their pencils.