// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Arleigh Burke
The Arleigh Burke class refers to a series of powerful warships, called destroyers, used by the U.S. Navy. These ships are known for their advanced missile systems and ability to perform multiple types of missions.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer (DDG) is a highly capable, multi-mission guided-missile destroyer class of the United States Navy, renowned for its Aegis Combat System, AN/SPY-1 radar, and integrated air defense, ballistic missile defense (BMD), anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
BACKGROUND
The Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) is a United States Navy class of destroyers centered on the Aegis Combat System and the SPY-1D multifunction radar. The class was developed as a more affordable supplement to the Ticonderoga-class cruisers. As of April 2026, 75 ships are active, with 24 more planned to enter service, making it the most numerous class of warships in the U.S. Navy. The class is named after Arleigh Burke, an American destroyer admiral in World War II and later Chief of Naval Operations.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- DDG
- Arleigh Burke-class destroyer
- Burke-class
- Aegis destroyer
- DDG-51 class
USAGE NOTE
These destroyers form the backbone of the U.S. Navy's surface combatant fleet and are frequently deployed globally for various missions including carrier strike group escort.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Arleigh Burke.
A primary builder of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers for the United States Navy, responsible for their construction and integration.
Another key builder of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, contributing significantly to the construction and delivery of these warships.
Develops and integrates the AEGIS Combat System, the core combat system for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including radar, command and control, and weapon interfaces.
Provides critical radar systems, such as the SPY-6 radar for Flight III Arleigh Burke destroyers, and other combat system components, missile technology, and sensors.
Contributes various electronic systems, sensors, navigation, and communication technologies utilized on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Supplies naval gun systems, such as the Mk 45 5-inch gun, and potentially other electronic warfare and weapon components for the Arleigh Burke class.
As a U.S. Navy command, NAVSEA is responsible for the full lifecycle support of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including design, acquisition, maintenance, and modernization programs.