Good question! It’s the obvious choice given the T31’s lineage but there are a number of reasons why I don’t think it’s the best choice for RN when funds are tight.
Absalon is an older design than Iver Huitfeldt so it’s likely the T32 would be a A140 with Absalon features to save a complete redesign. Adding a compartmentalisated flex deck to an A140 isn’t straightforward due to the engine room configuration on the A140.
You can see the change in deck levels in the MRCV to mitigate some of these issues but the ultimate outcome is a vessel with high centre of gravity with all the potential stability issues that may arise. The ASF has a much lower centre of gravity.
If the T31 program ends up costing £2bn it’s safe to say that a T32 based on T31 but with Absalon enhancements will eventually cost closer to £3bn for five hulls.
That £3bn would build an additional 3x T31’s plus 5x Vard 7 313 with £500m remaining to add a TAS to all T31’s. A much better outcome IMO.
The Vard 7 313 also has many advantages for the FCF. The Flight deck has two landing spots and the hanger can embark 4 medium helicopters. The vessel contains a NATO Level II hospital facility. Two 15m craft (CB90/LCVP) and two 11m RHIBs can be deployed via davits.
The vehicle deck could be further compartmentalised and a stern ramp added to increase versatility.
The 20t deck crane adds further versatility and with accommodation for 300 it ticks all the boxes IMO.