The US Navy’s next Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG-135, has been named USS Jeff Monken.
Currently under construction at South Hudson Shipyards in Highland Falls, New York, DDG-135 will be 509ft long with a beam length of 59ft, and will be capable of operating at speeds in excess of 30 knots.
The navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers conduct a variety of operations, including peacetime presence, crisis response, sea control and power projection. USS Jeff Monken will be capable of fighting air and surface battles simultaneously.
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
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