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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  USS Allen M. Sumner, the lead ship of the US Navy's Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, sailing off the coast of Hawaii.

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  USS Zumwalt, the lead ship of the US Navy's Zumwalt class, sailing in formation with USS Independence (rear).

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  Type 055 class destroyer Nanchang of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)

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  Template:ROKS, the lead ship of her class of Sejong the Great-class destroyer of the Republic of Korea Navy

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  The Italian Caio Duilio, which 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, who 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 (Destroyer), 1890

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  HMS Havock, the first ship formally designated as destroyer class, 1894