With their speed and weapons, naval destroyers help defend other ships and vessels against enemy attacks.

Warships that Protect the Fleet
Today’s destroyers are fast and nimble warships used to protect the naval fleet and convoys at sea. Destroyers are armed with a multitude of weapons that can include Tomahawk missiles, Cruise missiles, 155 millimeter advanced gun systems, and nuclear bombs. Destroyers are used to protect other naval ships from attacks by submarines, aircrafts, torpedo boats, and terrorists.

Modern destroyers used by the U.S. Navy are known as "guided missile destroyers," and are defined as multi-mission vessels capable of fighting surface combatants as well as performing anti-submarine and anti-aircraft roles. The U.S. Navy is now is the process of introducing a new class of destroyer. Known as the "Zumwalt class," this new destroyer will be the largest ever used by the U.S. Navy and feature state-of-the-art weapons.

Original Anti-Submarine Role
The emergence of destroyers coincided with the invention of self-propelled torpedoes in the late 19th Century. Torpedoes became a serious threat to naval vessels and made it necessary for navies to develop ships capable of protecting their fleets from being scuttled. Originally called "catchers," early destroyers were heavily gunned boats used to escort naval fleets at sea.

Over time, destroyers became more heavily fortified and armed. Eventually, destroyers began carrying torpedoes themselves. The use of submarines and fighter aircraft during the Second World War meant that destroyers were needed more than ever before.

During the Second World War, the U.S. Navy commissioned destroyers that were big, multi-purpose ships.These destroyers were outfitted with radar, sonar, anti-aircraft guns, depth charges, and torpedoes. By the end of the war, destroyers were among the most advanced pieces of military equipment in use by the U.S. military.

Use around the World 
Today, navies around the world use destroyers to protect their fleet, as well as their coastlines and territory. Some modern destroyers are capable of carrying helicopters and can travel at speeds approaching 30 knots.

Among foreign militaries, China has commissioned a number of new destroyers for use by its navy. In fact, China has launched three new classes of destroyers in the past 10 years. China is using destroyers to build-up an advanced naval force.