also, your tier 3 looks like 'playing target' to me, as they don't do anything tier 2 can do, let alone that tier 1 does not cover. and if they cannot operate without the other tiers, they are an waste of money IMO.
This platform will be better equipped to deal with asymetric threats and swarm tactics. Also it is inherently understood that some of these ships will be overwhelmed and sunk. But they are "cheaper" in man-power (loss of life) and actual material cost.
The frigates will concentrate on Anti-Ship/Anti-Small Craft warfare, ASW, and limited anti-air/missile defense, while the bigger cousins will worry about BMD, Anti-Air/ Naval Gun Fire support and Strike missions.
I am
better.
Yeaaaaaa...
Everybody is so humble on this site :-p