Despite the war situation in Germany, even in 1945 the development of new destroyers was continued although there was never a chance to build additional ships.

The destroyer design "Zerstörer 1945" was build around an improved high pressure steam engine, in contradiction to the use of diesel engines in the previous design studies.

Armament and general layout was very similar to last diesel destroyer designs, the bigger air threads caused a massive increase of anti aircraft artillery compared to the pre-war designs.