Corvette

A corvette is the smallest class of ocean-going surface combatant, lighter than a frigate, typically 500 to 2,000 tons displacement with a single main gun, short-range surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and a hull optimized for coastal and littoral patrol. The Flower-class corvettes of World War II (about 940 tons) were mass-built convoy escorts. Modern examples include the German Braunschweig (K130) class and the Israeli Sa’ar series. Corvettes trade range and weapon depth for low cost and numbers, filling the constabulary and near-shore escort role.