What Does A Frigate Ship Do?

A frigate is a type of warship with various roles and capabilities throughout history. In the 17th to early 18th centuries, the term was applied to any full-rigged ship built for speed and manoeuvrability, intended for scouting, escort, and patrol roles. Today, there are two types of warships: Frigates and destroyers. Frigates and destroyers are designed for combat and naval purposes, but they serve different roles and have distinct characteristics.

A frigate is generally smaller, faster, and less powerful than other warships. It was one of five principal types of merchant ship hulls before sailing ships were identified by their rig. The term was later used to refer to full-rigged, fast war vessels.

Modern frigates are designed to protect other ships in the fleet, merchant marine ships, amphibious expeditionary forces, and other sea threats, particularly from submarines. They are equipped with various sensors and weapons to protect them from air, surface, and underwater threats. During the Second World War, the name frigate was reintroduced to describe a seagoing escort ship intermediate in size between a corvette and a destroyer. Both are designed for quick manoeuvrability and can be used to escort and protect larger vessels from air, surface, and underwater threats.

Frigates are light ships designed for speed and manoeuvrability, but are too light to participate in classic battle lines. They were used as lookouts and repeating ships in battle. The main role of a frigate is patrolling and protecting larger vessels while the destroyer engages in direct combat with enemy ships. Modern frigates now undertake patrol missions, safeguarding not only other fleet vessels but also merchant marine ships and amphibious forces.