The word sturdiness can be defined several ways, but here it refers to the capability of a ship to return fire after taking one or more missile hits. Not generally known, however, is that sturdiness in combatants in the missile age can be attained only by radical changes in ship designs. It is true that sturdiness always has had a price, and the price would increase with the radical changes needed. But its value has risen significantly because of changing missions and rapidly developing weapons technology. Much of the high-tech gear has been accommodated high in ships' superstructures, where heavy protection is not practical.
Ships rely on active defense for protection.
This status may have been acceptable in the days of the Cold War with its blue-water missions. When operating in the littorals, however, with clutter from land and commercial traffic, hidden enemies on sea and land, limited reaction time, problematic rules of engagement, and untried tactics, the old ways of doing things may not be acceptable. The risk of taking hits from surprise attacks is multiplied and even inferior opposing forces can cause serious setbacks in coastal areas. Unless we are prepared to accept losses or severe damage, combatants must be able to take hits. Other forms of future surprises can emerge through technology.