frégate

A frégate, in naval terminology, is a type of warship whose name is derived from the French word frégate and is used in several languages to refer to a class of midsize combat ships. In English usage, the term frigate describes ships that are smaller than a destroyer and larger than a corvette, though the exact meaning has varied over time.

During the Age of Sail, a frigate was a fast, single-deck or two-deck sailing warship typically carrying around 28 to 44 guns. Frigates served as scouts, raiders, message couriers, and convoy escorts, valued for speed, maneuverability, and endurance. They operated independently or as part of fleet squadrons and played a central role in naval warfare and protection of trade routes.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the meaning shifted with advances in propulsion and weaponry. The term was retained for certain mid-sized, lightly armored vessels designed for multi-role duties, including escort, patrol, and eventually anti-submarine warfare (ASW). In many navies, the term “frigate” was used for ships that were smaller than destroyers but capable of more versatile missions than corvettes.

Modern frigates are multi-mission ships, usually displacing several thousand tons and equipped with a combination of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine weapons, integrated sensors, and a helicopter for ASW and reconnaissance. They commonly carry surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and modern radar and sonar suites. Helicopters and advanced command-and-control systems extend their reach for fleet protection, regional security, and power projection. The distinction between frigates and destroyers remains nuanced and varies by navy.