Although the first prototype of a diesel powered destroyer (Zerstörer 1942) was not completed, the development of those kind of ships continued.

It was thought to be a bigger ship for Atlantic operations to support major Kriegsmarine ships. Several proposals were made which finally lead to the Zerstörer 1944 project. In addition to a heavy main armament, those ships had a increased Flak armament compared to its predecessors, including the new 5,5 cm AA gun which should have been introduced in 1945.

In spring of 1944 five ships were ordered, but none of them was started to build.