Destroyer

The Russian Navy Udaloy-class destroyer RFS Admiral Panteleyev

A destroyer is a fast, small, and maneuverable warship. Destroyers escort larger warships. Destroyers were first used in the late 1800s to defend against torpedo boats. Destroyers were used extensively during World War I and World War II. Today, most naval warships are destroyers. Only three nations use cruisers. Modern destroyers use cruise missiles, automated turrets, and torpedos. Some can launch nuclear missiles. Modern destroyers usually support carrier groups and amphibious landings.

Destroyer Media

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  The destroyers of the US Navy's Zumwalt-class, pictured here sailing with a Litorral combat ship (LCS) are the longest and heaviest destroyers currently in service.

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  The Italian Caio Duilio, belongs to the Horizon-class of Franco-Italian designed first-rate frigates.

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  Fernando Villaamil, credited as the inventor of the destroyer concept, died in action during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba in 1898.

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  The Imperial Japanese Navy's Kotaka (1887)

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  HMS Spider, an early model of torpedo gunboat

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  Spanish warship Destructor in 1890, the first destroyer ever built

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  HMS Havock, the first modern destroyer, commissioned in 1894

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  Builders' plans for the British Charger class, built 1894–95

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  HMS Loyal, of the Laforey class

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  USS Wickes, a Wickes-class destroyer