Destroyers play a key role in naval operations, and their escort, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities are indispensable heavy equipment in the navy. Recent U.S. interventions in the Middle East have also highlighted the destroyer's long-range strike capabilities, both on the ground and at sea. So, which of the missile destroyers already in service on a global scale are in the leading position in combat capabilities? We will compare the missile destroyers with large size and formation, although the Zumwalt-class of the United States is in the leading position in technology, but it has not formed a large-scale product, so it is difficult to participate in formation battles.
1st place: Type 055 destroyer.
It may not be fair to include the Type 055 in the comparison of destroyers, as its tonnage and firepower level are more suitable for the definition of a cruiser or destroyer leadership. The Type 055 is the world's first destroyer equipped with an integrated radio frequency control system, with a large missile vertical launch unit with a diameter of 850mm, which performs a variety of tasks such as fleet long-range air defense, long-range ground strikes, and strikes against surface and underwater targets. In terms of situational awareness, information processing and fire intensity, the Type 055 is the leader among current destroyers.
2nd place: Arleigh Burke-class Flight 3 destroyer.
The Arleigh Burke-class Flight 3 was the world's first Aegis destroyer and remains world-class after three decades of service. Using a new generation of AN SPY-6D active electronically scanning phased array radar and the "Baseline" 11 combat system, in addition to the combat capabilities of ordinary destroyers, it also has maritime anti-missile capabilities, although it is not as good as the Type 055, but it has become a leader in the world.
3rd place: "King Sejong" class destroyer.
The King Sejong class is Asia's first guided missile destroyer with a full load displacement of more than 10,000 tons, based on the Arleigh Burke class but with a comprehensive combat capability that surpasses that of the Arleigh Burke class Flight 2. It is equipped with 128 missile vertical launch units, which is the largest number of surface combat ships at present. In addition to attacking ground targets with cruise missiles produced in South Korea, anti-submarine torpedoes can also be fired. Despite the suspicion of firepower, the abundance of missile launch units and fire channels gives it a unique advantage among medium and large surface warships.
Fourth place: Maya-class destroyer.
As the latest generation of "Aegis" warships of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the "Maya" class has upgraded the "Baseline" 9C version of the combat system on the basis of the "Atago" class, ensuring a more feasible maritime anti-missile capability. It is planned to equip it with supersonic anti-ship missiles, which will give it a relatively advanced combat capability against surface targets. In the Maritime Self-Defense Force, its position will be difficult to shake until the newer-generation "Aegis carriers" are put into service.
Fifth place: Type 052D destroyer.
For medium destroyers, the 052D is the benchmark. The 7,000-ton hull integrates a complete "Shield Ship" system and a large-size missile vertical launch system with up to 64 launch units, and its active phased array radar antenna array scale exceeds that of the 9,000-ton "Arleigh Burke" class. In terms of combat systems and firepower levels, the 052D opens a significant gap among medium surface combat ships. More than 30 ships were built, making it the backbone of the current Chinese Navy, and the technology and scale advantages make the 052D stand out.
Sixth place: destroyers of the "Horizon" class.
The Horizon-class destroyers, jointly developed by France and Italy, are a model of multinational cooperation as a maritime combat platform and represent the highest level of technology currently available in Europe for large surface warships. With a stealth design, the adopted "Aster" anti-aircraft missile ranks among the top in the world in terms of killing range and accuracy. Due to the small number of missile launchers and the weak performance of the search radar, they could only be relegated to the bottom in the era of "shield ships".
Seventh place: Type 45 destroyer.
The British Navy has always focused on medium and long-range anti-aircraft fire in the fleet, and the Type 45 destroyer is the embodiment of this philosophy. As a product of the Next Generation Frigate Program, the Type 45 is similar in design to the Horizon class, employing an integrated electric propulsion system, which greatly improves the efficiency of its powertrain. In terms of comprehensive performance, the Type 45 is not much different from the "Horizon" class. Considering the different status of the two batches before and after the Type 45, and the long-standing attendance problem, the actual performance is slightly inferior to the "Horizon" class.
In the ranking of global missile destroyers, the fleets of different countries show obvious differences in the level of technology and combat effectiveness. The Type 055 has become a leader among the current missile destroyers with its excellent comprehensive performance, especially in terms of the number of missile launch units and combat systems. The American "Arleigh Burke" class Flight 3 is a representative of the world's first class with its long life and strong comprehensive combat capability.
The King Sejong class of Asian countries, the Maya class of Japan, and the Type 052D of China are among the most powerful surface combat vessels, each with its own unique advantages. And the European "Horizon" class and the British Type 45 are to a certain extent inferior to their Asian and American competitors, mainly in terms of the number of missile launch units and the performance of search radars.
Each missile destroyer has its own unique positioning and characteristics, adapted to the needs of the respective national navy. These advanced missile destroyers will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding the maritime security and strategic interests of all countries in future maritime operations.
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