Warship expansion: Navy to add 30 destroyers, as well as frigates and submarines, to fleet by 2034

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy’s ambitious fleet-size expansion relies on a massive increase in heavily armed destroyers able to launch long-range attacks, fire interceptor missiles, defend carrier strike groups, and engage in massive blue-water warfare. Warrior Maven reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

3 April 2019 -- Within the next 15 years, Navy leaders plan to add as many as 30 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including 22 new, high-tech flight III versions and eight state-of-the-art DDG 51 Flight IIA versions.

In addition to adding 30 new destroyers, the Navy’ also seeks 15 new frigates and as many as 32 new attack submarines in the next 15 years. While many new ships are under construction, the current number of Navy ships is roughly in the high 280s -- a number that Navy leaders say they hope to grow to 355 by 2034.

Adding large numbers of new next-generation destroyers will change the Navy's ability to conduct major maritime warfare operations by enabling surface forces to detect enemy attacks at much farther distances, launch long-range strikes with greater precision, and destructive force and disperse offensive forces across much wider swaths of ocean.

Related: The U.S. Navy's new frigate could pack a serious punch; think laser weapons and missiles

Related: Navy bulks-up anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability for destroyer and cruiser surface warships

Related: Navy to install laser weapons on destroyer in 2021 to defend against boats and unmanned vehicles

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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