Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer

The fleet of Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers currently under construction will, in concert with the Future Aircraft Carrier, provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defenses for much of the first half of the 21st century.

Each destroyer will be able to engage a large number of targets simultaneously, and defend aircraft carriers or groups of ships, such as an amphibious landing force, against the strongest future threats from the air. The vessels will contribute to worldwide maritime and joint operations in multi-threat environments, providing a specialized air warfare capability until 2040.