Frigate

A frigate is an escort vessel between a corvette and a destroyer in size. Frigates often function as protection in escort and patrol duties. The ships carry fewer arms than cruisers or destroyers, but are equipped well enough to face enemy combatants and to aid planetary missions.

Frigates are usually the smallest ships found in the order of battle in major fleet engagements, where they are used in probably their best role, escort duty. They can also be seen carrying out precision raids and zone defense missions in a pinch. Most navies have a sizable number of frigates.