noun
naval fleet; armada
Refers to a group of warships organized as a unit. Used in military and historical contexts.
連合艦隊は太平洋を航行した。
The combined fleet sailed the Pacific.
船団 is a general convoy or fleet of ships, often merchant vessels, while 艦隊 specifically refers to a naval fleet of warships.
Compound of 艦 (warship) and 隊 (group, corps).