The US Navy has executed an option for the construction of a new Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer.
The option was exercised under the contract signed in 2023 with the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (GDBIW), which is currently building two DDG Arleigh Burke class from Flight IIA and five from Flight III.
Features of Flight III
The Flight III update centers on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 air and missile defense radar, resulting in an increase of 400 tons displacement and incorporates electrical power and cooling capacity updates, and additional enhancements to improve combat capabilities.
The ship’s sensitive and vital parts will be protected by two layers of steel and 70 tons of Kevlar protections.
The ship’s engine room fire system will employ water mist technology, replacing halon (bromotrifluoromethane).
The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers are multi-mission surface ships able to conduct Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).
The destroyers play a role in the US naval strategy, having over time acquired operational capabilities of cruisers and frigates.
Photo credit @Naval Sea Systems Command
