

The first destroyer was the Japanese Navy large torpedo boat Kotaka, launched in 1885.Overall, these will be more prominent than before. These ships will become paramount antisubmarine, and general combat warships, given the economy of a fast boat and the firepower of a battleship. While torpedo delivery and minelaying will be roles it will continue to pursue, these will be secondary. When armed with new helicopters, they will provide valuable ASW coverage against submarines while providing a reasonable antiship warfare package with VLS Tomahawks. If possible, use long-distance weapons to disable or if possible, destroy the opponent. If the ship has more firepower but less maneuverability, use area denial weapons such as torpedoes and mines to restrict it even further and circle the helpless opponent. Use area denial weapons to force them where you want them. If the ship is faster and more maneuverable than you, attempt to use your firepower to destroy the opponent. The Phantom-Class Stealth Destroyer a less conventional design but nevertheless an example of an effective destroyer. Indeed, this was the type's original role. Destroyers are also used as anti-frigate and anti-fast boat warships, a role which they excel in. Torpedo delivery and minelaying are tasks often considered for destroyers, and are the biggest surface combatants who could deploy these weapons effectively. Speedy enough to dodge torpedoes, they can then deliver the lethal depth charge attack or hedgehog strike against the hapless submarine. AAA and ASW are frequent additions to improve lethality against aircraft and submarines, respectively.Ī common use for them is antisubmarine warfare. More conventional naval artillery such as the 30.5cm Gun family are equipped to improve chances against medium-sized warships. Torpedoes are often included as the means to destroy heavier warships. Many of these ships are armed with low-weight, low-space, high-firepower and high-precision weapons, such as Mk 45 5 inch Guns and Vulcan Cannons.
