Which Is World’s Most Feared Destroyer?

The Navy plays an important role in conflict situations, as has been evident in wars fought over the past centuries. Modern day navy comprises several warships such as aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, destroyers, corvettes, cruisers and amphibious assault ships. Among these, destroyers play an important role of protecting the naval fleet. These were widely used in World War I and II. Over the years, destroyers have gotten highly advanced. To understand their capabilities, here’s a quick look at some of the world’s most feared destroyers.

USS Arleigh Burke – Commissioned in 1989, USS Arleigh Burke is the lead ship for Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. It has been equipped with special features that allow it to evade radar detection. It can launch its own missiles, all while tracking and evading missiles fired by enemy ships. The vessel is built using high strength steel, which gives it comprehensive protection. The destroyer has specialized equipment, allowing it to operate in even adverse environments such as biological, chemical and radiological warfare.

Sejong the Great-class destroyer – Also referred to as KDX-III, these are a group of three guided missile destroyers operated by South Korean navy. The lead ship is called as Sejong the Great. The name is derived from the fourth king belonging to Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Some of the key features of Sejong the Great destroyer include AN/SPY-1D multi-function radar antennae and Aegis Combat System (Baseline 7 Phase 1). Other equipment includes 127 mm/L62 Mk. 45 Mod 4 naval gun, 30 mm Goalkeeper CIWS, anti-aircraft guns, and a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile Block 1 21-round launcher. It also has dedicated anti-submarine and anti-ship armaments.

Kolkata-class destroyer – This is a class of stealth guided missile destroyers operated by the Indian Navy. It has three ships, Kolkata, Kochi and Chennai. The destroyer has space for landing large helicopters as well as an enclosed hangar that can handle around two maritime helicopters. primary air defense system comprises four eight-cell vertical launching systems (VLS) that are equipped with Barak 8 / MRSAM air defense missiles. Kolkata class destroyers have demonstrated Cooperative Engagement Capability, which is available with only select countries such as United States. They are also equipped with supersonic BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack missiles.

Type 052D destroyer – This class of guided missile destroyers is operated by Chinese navy. As per claims made by Chinese media, Type 052D destroyer has capabilities similar to US naval ships that have the Aegis Combat System. The destroyer is equipped with YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missiles, HHQ-9 surface-to-air missiles and CY-5 anti-submarine missiles. Radar systems include Type 518 L-band and Type 346A AESA. The destroyer can communicate with other vessels in the fleet and other units using naval common tactical data link (NCTDL) and joint service integrated datalink system (JSIDLS).

Atago-class destroyer – Operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Atago-class destroyer was commissioned in 2007. One of the key features of the destroyer is that it is equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System. Surface-to-air missiles include SM-2MR Block IIIA/B whereas defense capabilities include Aegis BMD 5.0CU system that can launch SM-3 Block IA and IB anti-ballistic missiles. Anti-submarine armaments include Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes.