The Type 42 is a class of guided missile destroyers that were primarily used by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Designed in the 1970s, these ships were built for air defense and anti-submarine warfare. They feature a distinctive hull design and are equipped with various weapon systems, including the Sea Dart missile system. The Type 42 destroyers played a significant role during the Falklands War in 1982, showcasing their capabilities in naval combat. Over the years, several ships of this class have been decommissioned, with the last being retired in 2013, marking the end of an era for this class of vessels.