Well they are still functional to a degree, just not suitable for the pivot to peer level combat in the western Pacific. So they could provide service to a minor navy not likely to have to dice it up with the big boys. Hence my comment that they are well suited to a policing function inshore.
Why would we want people, that are supposedly our allies, to be loaded down with something we ourselves rejected?
Well they are still functional to a degree, just not suitable for the pivot to peer level combat in the western Pacific. So they could provide service to a minor navy not likely to have to dice it up with the big boys. Hence my comment that they are well suited to a policing function inshore.
My understanding is some of them have been maintenance nightmare.
That is an understatement! Rube Goldberg propulsion train to begin with.