The Type- 45 was designed keeping in mind the capability to add more systems to it when funding becomes available.The issue is less about technology.It can theoritically take on a 16 cell VLS in addition to the 48 already installed.
You’re the first person I’ve heard say that the SAMPSON is a poor man’s solution.Most resources seem to suggest that it’s ahead of the Spy-1D in some areas,esp when combined with the dedicated variant of the Thales SMART-L long range radar.The Aster series is just at the begining of it’s development curve & can be improved to take on the theatre missile defense role.
“The Type- 45 was designed keeping in mind the capability to add more systems to it when funding becomes available.”
Thats true of all ships these days. The operative phrase is the last one “when funding becomes available”. Unless there is an emergency, funding is never available, and by then of course, it is too late.
As for Sampson, I shall check my contacts, but at the moment I am sticking to my guns (or radars, in this case). Aster is, as I said, very good, but if its going to try theatre missile defence it certainly wont be carrying 48 missiles.