In this functional account, modern frigate hulls are commonly optimised for anti-submarine warfare while destroyers centre on area air defence. Anti-submarine work often requires several cooperating ships to detect, deter, and pursue submarines. An air-defence destroyer can instead serve as a solo picket with supporting escorts. The distinction explains why an allied task group may value another quiet ASW frigate more than an additional large air-defence ship even when the two types overlap in size and range.
Notable Point · 2:45:19-2:46:33
The modern frigate-destroyer distinction is mission-led
Modern labels often distinguish anti-submarine and air-defense specialization more clearly than they distinguish ship size or range.