In this working classification, a corvette is armed for war but normally operates from home bases. A patrol vessel can have the endurance to deploy elsewhere while lacking the same wartime fighting purpose. The two can occupy a similar size range while meeting different requirements. Light frigates are roughly the smallest ships combining useful fighting capability with forward deployment and some ability to sustain themselves. Larger categories bring greater deployment capability as well as changes in armament.
Notable Point · 30:35-31:23
Corvettes, patrol vessels and frigates by deployment role
A working classification distinguishes combat capability from the ability to deploy and sustain operations away from home.