The US Navy has announced a life service extension for 12 Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided-missile destroyers beyond their expected 35-year operability.
Ships selected involve Flight I systems commissioned between 1991 and 1997, which incorporate older designs and components, particularly in their primary anti-submarine warfare helicopter support capabilities.
The decision to commence the effort was based on the “hull-by-hull evaluation of ship material condition, combat capability, technical feasibility, and lifecycle maintenance requirements” of each platform, according to the navy’s press release.
After receiving their upgrades, the destroyers will continue sailing from 2028 to 2035.
“Extending these highly-capable, well-maintained destroyers will further bolster our numbers as new construction warships join the Fleet,” US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro explained.
“It also speaks to their enduring role in projecting power globally, and most recently in the Red Sea, their proven ability to defend themselves, as well as our allies, partners and friends from missile and drone attacks.”
‘More Players’ at Sea
Evaluations for the Arleigh Burke project covered all Flight I hulls (DDG 51 to 71) over the past 10 months. Platforms chosen beyond their service life are yet to be revealed.
“Today’s budget constrained environment requires the Navy to make prioritized investments to keep more ready players on the field,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti stated.
“The Navy is actively pulling the right levers to maintain and grow its Battle Force Inventory to support the United States’s global interests in peace and to win decisively in conflict.”
The US Navy approved a similar project in 2023 for its Arleigh Burke ships stationed in Japan.
The same year, the service greenlighted the life service extension for the lead Arleigh Burke warship.
In 2022, industry partner BAE Systems received a $107.7-million award to extend the operability of the final Flight I vessel, the USS Ross (DDG 71), for another 10 years.
