Which mission set is decreasing as hulls are upgraded in maritime warfare?

In maritime warfare, as naval hulls are upgraded, the mission set that is decreasing is indeed ballistic missile defense. This trend is largely due to advancements in technology and capability enhancements in missile detection and interception systems that come with new ship designs or upgrades to existing ships. Modern naval vessels are increasingly equipped with sophisticated missile defense systems that integrate advanced radar, information processing, and interception technologies.

As naval capabilities improve, the reliance on older platforms and systems for ballistic missile defense diminishes. The modernization allows navies to more effectively counter the evolving threats posed by ballistic missiles, leading to a more efficient defense strategy that reduces the need for dedicated missions focusing on this specific threat. Enhanced interception capability means that fewer dedicated hulls may be required for this mission set, as the upgraded ships can integrate multiple roles and responsibilities.

The other mission sets—such as aerial reconnaissance, counter-terrorism operations, and anti-piracy missions—continue to demand attention and resources due to ongoing global security concerns and the varied nature of maritime threats which require sustained operational engagement.