Type 45 Destroyer capabilities, page 3

Based on the experiences of the Falklands I believe it means exactly that. We had a specialised ASW force that was totally unprepared to fight an air war and shore bombardment mission - some frigates didn't even have guns.

It was short sighted, but that was the primary role of the fleet, ASW. That was were the main threat was perceived from the USSR. We just dont have the money to maintain a huge fleet capable of all and sundry. Also, we expected to fight any war alongside the US, which would fulfil the main fighting role whilst we would take care of the submarine threat and protection of the GIUK gap.

Well it has a bow sonar, ASW torpedoes and I believe 2 ASW helicopters so I question your assertion that it isn't supposed to do ASW operations.

Question away Winchester, but here are some sources to back up my "claims":

The main mission of the Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyer is to provide local area fleet defence, with long range radar and wide area defence capability. The ship's combat systems also have the capability to control aircraft and co-ordinate the anti-air warfare operations of the task force. The Type 45 is equipped with long range weapon systems to intercept air threats including super-agile manoeuvring missiles with re-attack modes. The UK PAAMS will defend the ships from missiles approaching individually or in salvos and is capable of controlling a large number of airborne missiles simultaneously. The Type 45 could also accommodate cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk and anti-ballistic missiles if a requirement was identified in future. The Type 45 will be able to operate a helicopter up to the size of a Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter, but will initally operate with Lynx HMA.8 helicopters armed with Stingray torpedoes.

Source

Air Defence Destroyer (Type 45)

The Type 45 class will be the largest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever operated by the Royal Navy and the largest general purpose surface warships (excluding aircraft carriers and amphibious ships) to join the fleet since World War Two cruisers. The projected deep load displacement of the Type 45, at around 7,200 tonnes, will also exceed that of any other general purpose surface combatant, again excluding aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, built for the Royal Navy since the Tiger class cruisers of the 1941 programme.

When the Type 45 enters service later this decade it will provide the fleet with an air defence capability that is several orders of magnitude greater than that provided by the existing force of Type 42 destroyers.

The main armament of the class will be the sophisticated and lethal Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS), which is being developed and procured jointly with France and Italy. PAAMS will equip the Type 45 to defend itself and other ships in company from attack by existing and future anti-ship missiles of all types. The Type 45 will also be able to operate close inshore and use PAAMS to give air cover to British Forces engaged in the land battle. The system is designed to defend against supersonic, stealthy, highly manoeuvrable missiles that could use sea-skimming or steep-diving flight profiles approaching in salvoes, simultaneously from several directions.

Source

However, I very much doubt that the attack subs will carry "large payloads" of cruise missiles, they are somewhat too large to be carried in any number in the torpedo racks,

Try reading up on the Astute then. They carry a weapons loadout over twice that of the Trafalgar Class currently in service. Up to 32 missiles and Torpedoes in fact. Not bad for a submarine.

Seeing as the new Virginia class carries 16 Tomahwaks and 26 Torpedoes, its not that shabby seeing as the Virginia has the VLS. Also, the Virgina only has 4 tubes were as the Astute has 6.

Or you could just order an Arleigh Burke (but preferably with ASTER not Standard).

Why? We know you love all things American, Winchester and the Arleigh Burkes are great ships, but the Type 45 does the job we want it to do and is made in the UK.

I just don't like the notion that each ship is interdependent on each other to provide defenses in specialized areas, IMO it makes you more vulnerable and it limits your operations outside a group.

Westy, the Type 45 is capable of multi-role and can operate independantly, but it's primary function is Fleet Air defence. But, stick it on it's own and it can perform ASW operations if needed. It is however, not likely to be on it's own in a combat arena, as said it's primary function is to defend the Fleet (read Carriers) from incoming Air threats