Frigate vs Destroyer
For individuals without an armed forces background, it can be challenging to differentiate between a frigate, a destroyer, and a corvette. Although they may look similar to an outsider, there are significant differences between a frigate and a destroyer that can greatly impact a navy. This article will discuss these differences to help readers understand the importance of these ships for a navy.
Frigate
A frigate is a large ship (medium-sized compared to destroyers) that serves as a warship, capable of being an antisubmarine or antiaircraft vessel. It is a heavy combatant (weighing 2000-5000 tons) and can carry out various types of missions in a high-threat sea environment. Frigates are capable of providing protection to other ships in a fleet, and in a convoy, a frigate serves as the flagship.
Destroyer
In modern times, destroyers are the largest and heaviest surface combatants, dominating the world’s seas. They are extremely large (weighing 5000-10000 tons) and cost over $700 million per unit. Destroyers are warships with the capability to protect other navy ships and merchant vessels. They are equipped with the latest sensors and modern warfare technology to operate in high-threat environments. Destroyers have radars to detect enemy missiles and combat systems that can outperform the entire army capabilities of a small nation. Guided missiles are the primary attack features of destroyers, although they also have antisubmarine and antiaircraft guns.
Key Takeaways
- Destroyers are much larger and heavier than frigates.
- Officers deployed on frigates are generally younger than those deployed on destroyers.
- Destroyers have more advanced defense and attack capabilities than frigates.
