This "non-platform specific acquisition programme costs of £250M" is to improve the ship yards to build warships? If yes,
what if we build T31e at BAE Clyde?
1;
What if we use this £250M for "BAE frigate factory"?. It was said to be £200M on 2014 (see
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/131 ... the_Clyde/ )
Build both T26 and T31 at Clyde, using this "more efficient frigate factory". Building full-fat frigate along with ~3000t Corvette is what Naval/Lorient yard is doing (FREMM and Gowind-2000), so it is no problem.
2: Another idea is to invest this £250M on the design of T31e. Of course, we need to build it in Clyde, because not investing to other ship yards.
With £1.5B for the program, we can build 5 hulls with totally new design. The unit-cost will be £215M (1500/(2+5) =215). This is the same to Leander, but it will be with totally new design.
-- I can re-use Leander design, but with more extensive modification; Merlin-capable hangar, re-design of bow section to handle 5inch gun together with 24 CAMM (could be 12 as build, and +12 FTR to save initial cost), and quietization. CAPTAS4CI cost will not be there, so it will be FTR, but the ship itself will be "so-so quiet", quiet enough to do ASW pinger in CVTF.
-- Or even reduce the hull number to 4, and use the £60M each to equip all 4 hulls with full-set of ASW (CAPTAS4CI, torpedo-defense, and VL-ASROC).
-- Also the bridge can be re-designed to handle the new approach invented by Naval = "add-on" combat section with CIC and mast/sensor.
3: If you think "Scotland independence risk" is non-negligible, we can do the same thing by keeping T31e as it is (£250M + £1.25B), but reducing the hull-number by one (make it 4) to earn "new design" cost. This will make 4 T31e, with all ASW kits FTR, but with "so-so quiet hull".
And, reducing another one (make it 3) will provide +£80M per hull. Not only full-ASW-kit, but also "24 CAMM" could be achieved.
Using £1.5B to make only 3 "ASW capable small-light frigate" will not look attractive, but I think it will have a better chance for export. It will train the design team, as well. If the budget condition is better in ~2025, add the second batch of three.
[EDIT] If the primary task is to grow second ship yard for 2nd-tier escort and get an exportable light-frigate design, focus on it. If the primary task is to get 5 GP frigates, growing 2nd ship yard is too costy, and let the BAE do it. NSS lacks decisive mind to focus on its purpose. If so, it will
surely fail. Do not aim two birds with one stone.