escort vessel; destroyer (JMSDF)
In the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, this term officially designates destroyers and other large escort ships, though it literally means 'escort vessel'.
The JMSDF escort vessel 'Izumo' can also be operated as a de facto aircraft carrier.
Escort vessels are responsible for fleet air defense and anti-submarine patrols.
フリゲート is the international classification for a specific size of warship, while 護衛艦 is the general Japanese term used for escort ships of various classes (including frigates) in the Self-Defense Forces.
航空母艦 refers specifically to a large carrier that launches aircraft, whereas 護衛艦 is a smaller destroyer-type ship used mainly for defense.
Compound of 護衛 (goei, 'escort, guard') and 艦 (kan, 'warship').
Tachikaze-class destroyer
Hatakaze-class destroyer