What is the term used for a naval ship capable of sailing into battle and engaging with enemy forces?

The term "battleship" refers to a type of naval ship specifically designed for naval warfare and capable of engaging enemy forces directly in combat. Historically, battleships were heavily armed with large-caliber guns and armored to withstand enemy fire, making them a dominant force in naval conflicts.

Battleships played pivotal roles in major naval battles, serving as flagships and commanding naval fleets due to their firepower and defensive capabilities. They were built to withstand significant damage while delivering powerful salvos against enemy vessels or land targets. The evolution of naval warfare saw battleships transitioning in design and strategy, but their primary function remained to engage in direct conflict on the sea.

Other types of vessels listed, such as frigates and destroyers, are also designed for combat, but they usually serve different roles within a fleet, such as escorting larger ships, performing anti-submarine warfare, or engaging in surface action at a smaller scale. The term "ship of the line" historically referred to a type of warship used in naval tactics to form battle lines, but in the context of modern naval warfare, the battleship remains the specific term for vessels designed to go into battle fully equipped for engaging enemy forces directly.