The ships, aircraft and submarines of the Royal Navy are equipped with a wide variety of weapons that provide the Fleet the ability to combat threats from any possible aggressor. Weapons systems range from the large, long-range nuclear deterrent ballistic missiles carried in the Trident submarines to the small close range systems that protect a ship's immediate vicinity. While individual units are equipped with different weapons systems and have different capabilities, all of the Royal Navy's systems are designed to operate together, providing comprehensive layered defence and potent offensive capability when required.