Early 20th Century Mid 20th Century 21st Centuryĭefencyclopedia defines a destroyer as “ A modern destroyer is a 6000-12,000 ton warship, equipped with an array of long-range missiles, guns, and high power radars, and is designed to operate autonomously or along with a battle group in order to fulfill a variety of tasks which typically consist of land attack, missile defense, and surface warfare” The below pictures highlight the evolution of destroyers with a gap of approximately 50 years between each. Though destroyers of now look less fearsome when compared to their WW2 counterparts, they carry several times the firepower and cutting edge sensors which allow 1 modern destroyer to do the job of around 10 legacy ones. The look of a warship bristling with dozens of guns was replaced by sleek lines and missiles stored under the deck. After this period, the invention of the naval surface to air and cruise missiles completely changed the look, size, and capabilities of a destroyer. Then they progressively grew in size to become significantly capable surface combatants by World War II. The first torpedo boat destroyers were developed in the last decade of the 19th century and gained prominence after World War I. It was initially a small, fast, and manoeuverable fleet escort ship termed as a torpedo boat destroyer, whose only role was to find and sink enemy torpedo boats. However, the destroyer didn’t start out as such. It is no surprise, therefore, when in naval terms, a destroyer is an extremely powerful warship which is meant to project power, perform complex missions and bring the enemy to their knees with its firepower. The very word ‘Destroyer’ conveys destructive power, force, and strength.

List of star destroyer names