New US Navy Arleigh Burke class Destroyer USS John Basilone Joins Fleet.

According to information published by the US DoD on November 9, 2024, the U.S. Navy's latest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS John Basilone (DDG 122), was officially commissioned. The ceremony, held at the historic pier between the USS Intrepid and New York's cruise terminal, welcomed the newest guided-missile destroyer to the fleet.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Commissioning ceremony of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Basilone. (Picture source: US DoD)

In comparison to their international counterparts, these U.S. Navy destroyers feature a balanced design that combines advanced technological systems, multi-mission flexibility, and substantial firepower, making them a staple of the U.S. surface fleet.

In terms of air defense capabilities, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers leverage the Aegis Combat System paired with the SPY-1 or SPY-6 radar (in the latest Flight III versions), providing robust anti-air and missile defense capabilities. Japanese Maya-class destroyers also utilize the Aegis system, enhancing their BMD capability for regional defense against evolving threats. The South Korean Sejong the Great-class destroyers share similar systems, but with a higher VLS (Vertical Launch System) cell count of 128 compared to the Arleigh Burke's 96, making them particularly well-suited for heavy multi-role missions, including land-attack and anti-air operations. In contrast, China’s Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyers, while also equipped with phased-array radar systems, generally lack the advanced radar sensitivity of the SPY-6 but remain formidable within China's A2/AD (anti-access/area denial) strategy, especially in the South China Sea.

The U.K.’s Type 45 Daring-class destroyers focus heavily on air defense, designed to protect carrier strike groups and equipped with the Sampson radar and Sea Viper system for high-efficiency air-defense roles. While the Arleigh Burke class is equally capable in air defense, it is better suited for a multi-role environment, thanks to a wider range of missiles housed in its 96 VLS cells, which support land-attack, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.

In anti-ship and land-attack roles, Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates present a unique challenge due to their hypersonic Zircon missiles, which offer significant regional strike capabilities. Although the Gorshkov-class VLS capacity is lower, its missile technology remains a potent factor in regional engagements. The Arleigh Burke class, however, brings a balance of capability with Tomahawk land-attack missiles, SM-series air-defense missiles, and ASROC anti-submarine missiles.

While all of these vessels are powerful in their own rights, each nation’s destroyer class reflects its specific defense priorities. Japanese, South Korean, and British destroyers emphasize air defense, reflecting regional security needs, while the Chinese Type 052D is optimized for near-seas defense as part of a broader strategy to assert control over the South China Sea. Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov, focused on anti-ship missions, serves to project power within contested regions. The Arleigh Burke class, in comparison, is a globally deployable asset capable of performing in various mission profiles.