The Type 42 destroyer 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, featuring advanced radar and missile systems. The class includes several ships, with the first commissioned in 1979. Although they have been largely retired, the Type 42 destroyers played a significant role in various conflicts, including the Falklands War, showcasing their capabilities in naval operations.