Kidd-class (DDG-993)

The Kidd-class guided-missile destroyers were developed as a multipurpose variant of the Spruance-class hull. Originally ordered by the Imperial Iranian Navy in 1973 and 1974 for air defense operations in the Persian Gulf, the contract was canceled following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The four completed vessels were subsequently acquired by the United States Navy, entering service between 1981 and 1982. In 2001, the ships were authorized for sale to the Republic of China Navy, where they were recommissioned as the Kee Lung class.

The design of the Kidd class combined the anti-submarine capabilities of the Spruance class with enhanced anti-aircraft systems. To support these capabilities, the vessels were equipped with the Mark 26 missile system and the Tartar-D missile fire control system. Sensor systems included 3D and 2D air search radars, hull-mounted sonar, and an electronic warfare suite. For operation in tropical and desert environments, the class featured four air conditioning plants, increased water distillation capacity, and dust separators on the gas turbine air intakes. Between 1988 and 1990, the vessels received the New Threat Upgrade (NTU). This allowed the destroyers to engage in cooperative target acquisition with Aegis-equipped cruisers, which could control the Kidd-class missiles in flight while the destroyers remained electronically silent. Each vessel includes a flight deck and an enclosed hangar capable of supporting two medium-lift helicopters.

During their service with the United States Navy, the ships were frequently deployed to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. They were often referred to as the "Ayatollah" class by personnel due to their original Iranian contract. The introduction of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers led to the retirement of the class from the United States fleet between 1998 and 1999. Following their decommissioning, the ships were offered to Australia and Greece; however, both nations declined the acquisition.

In 2003, Taiwan purchased the four vessels under the Kuang Hua VII program. Following reactivation and overhaul, the first two ships, formerly the Scott and Callaghan, were commissioned into the Republic of China Navy in 2005 as the Kee Lung and Su Ao. The remaining vessels, formerly the Kidd and Chandler, were commissioned in 2006 as the Tso Ying and Ma Kong. In Taiwanese service, the class has undergone subsequent modifications, including the replacement of Harpoon anti-ship missiles with Hsiung Feng III missiles on the Su Ao. Current naval plans for the class include further upgrades to incorporate HF-2E missiles.