Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51)

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission U.S. Navy ships equipped with the Aegis Combat System and designed for a variety of warfare tasks. Named after Admiral Arleigh Burke, they have a primary role in anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and tactical land strikes. The class operates with the SPY-1D passive electronically scanned array radar and exceeds many prior guided-missile cruisers in size and armament, being equipped with over 90 missiles.

Four primary variants exist within the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: Flights I, II, IIA, and III, with later flights incorporating technological advancements. Each variant shows modifications in the ship's structure and equipment, such as hangar additions on Flight IIA allowing for helicopter operations and larger radars like the AN/SPY-6 on Flight III for improved ballistic missile defense capabilities.

The hull design includes a water-plane area-hull form, with a vast flaring bow for improved seakeeping ability. Stealth enhancements such as angled surfaces and a raked tripod mainmast reduce radar signature. These destroyers are constructed with an all-steel superstructure, a decision influenced by past experiences with aluminum vulnerabilities.

Arleigh Burke destroyers possess comprehensive weapon systems, including various missile types within the Vertical Launching System (VLS), torpedoes, and a close-in weapon system for point defense. They carry an array of anti-aircraft, ballistic missile defense, land attack, and anti-submarine warfare weapons, complemented by advanced sonar systems and electronic warfare suites for enhanced defense and surveillance.

The first ship of the class, USS Arleigh Burke, was commissioned in 1991. At the time of this summary, all seventy-three built are in service, with nineteen more planned. The class has the longest production run for any U.S. Navy surface combatant.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have seen combat through Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes and have been forward-deployed in Europe for NATO missile defense. Notably, they have served roles in conflict zones like Iraq and Yemen and been involved in major incidents such as the bombing of USS Cole and various collisions.

Countries operating the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the United States, Japan (Atago and Kongō), South Korea (Sejong the Great), and Spain (with US ships based at Naval Station Rota). The ships also appear in popular culture, featured in films and television series such as "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," "Battleship," and "Captain Phillips," showcasing their prominence and influence. The long-term vision includes the potential continuation of the Arleigh Burke class or a transition to new classes, like the DDG(X).