An ARMADA is an assemblage of warships, typically a large FLEET of ships gathered for battle. It is usually composed of several different types of vessels, such as battleships, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines. Armadas have been used throughout history to protect a nation's interests or to launch an attack on another nation. The term ARMADA is derived from the Spanish word for 'FLEET' and was first used in the 16th century.