Z52 was a Type 1944, or Zerstörer 1944 Class Destroyer. It's construction started (Laid down) for the Kraigsmarine in 1943. Z52's design was bigger than previous German Destroyers, and was to have diesel engines. 5 were laid down in 1943, but canceled in 1944 and broken up on the slips.

The Z52 would have been diesel-powered and armed with all guns of new generation. Main guns would have been radar-controlled from USN-style optical/electronic rangefinder cupolas. Bomb damages and shortage of materials followed to very low building rate. Building was suspended in 1944, later cancelled and all ships were broken up on slip.