fregatt

Fregatt is the term used in Swedish and Norwegian to denote a frigate, a type of warship designed for escort, patrol, and reconnaissance duties. The word fregatt derives from the French fregate, which in turn comes from Italian fregata, and ultimately from a Latin root meaning fast or nimble vessel.

Historically, during the Age of Sail, a fregatt referred to a fast, medium-sized warship with a single gun deck and typically 28–40 cannons. Its role was to protect merchant convoys, scout for fleets, relay messages, and harass enemy shipping. These ships balanced speed, range, and firepower and were commanded by captains who relied on maneuverability to outpace larger ships.

In the 20th century naval taxonomy shifted toward multi-role escort vessels, and many navies adopted the term frigate for smaller, capable ships that defend fleets and convoys against air, surface, and submarine threats while remaining cheaper and more agile than destroyers. Modern fregatter are equipped with sensors, missiles for air defense and anti-ship warfare, torpedoes or anti-submarine weapons, and usually carry a helicopter for extended reach and ASW capabilities. They are designed for a range of missions, including fleet protection, anti-piracy, and maritime security operations.

The precise size, armament, and classification of fregatter vary by country, with some navies continuing to use other terms such as destroyer or corvette for ships fulfilling similar roles. In common usage, fregatt conveys the idea of a versatile, multi-role escort warship in contemporary maritime defense.