Arleigh Burke class – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

13 May

211214-M-HB658-1322 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. During the demonstration, the Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator Mark 2 MOD 0 aboard Portland successfully engaged the training target. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)

US Navy Opens Laser Weapons Course for Sailors

The US Navy has launched a new training program for sailors operating laser weapons at its Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory in California.

11 May

Americas

Christine Casimiro

Future USS Ted Stevens Destroyer Heads to Virginia Homeport

The US Navy’s future guided-missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) has departed HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division for its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia.

Apr- 2026 -

24 April

Americas

Jodesz Gavilan

Bird-Johnson Secures Propulsion Deal for 100th US DDG-51 Destroyer

The US Navy has placed an order for propellers for its 100th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, extending a four-decade propulsion partnership with Bird-Johnson.

Mar- 2026 -

4 March

Air

A Standard Missile-3 Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) to intercept a target missile during a test in the mid-Pacific

Bea Castañeda

AN/SPY-1 Radar: The Sensor That Made Aegis Possible, Explained

This guide explains how the AN/SPY-1 radar tracks threats, supports Aegis combat systems, and underpins air and missile defense for modern warships worldwide.

Feb- 2026 -

24 February

Air

Tomahawk cruise missile launch from Mk 41 Vertical Launching System

Bea Castañeda

MK 41 VLS: A Guide to the Backbone of Modern Naval Firepower

This guide breaks down the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, explaining how its modular design enables warships to launch diverse missiles from a single system.

Jan- 2026 -

27 January

Sea

Bea Castañeda

Inside Aegis: The System Powering Modern Naval Air Defense

This guide breaks down how the Aegis Weapon System anchors modern naval combat operations to protect ships and project power globally.

14 January

Americas

USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) Arleigh Burke-class destroyer

Bea Castañeda

Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers: The US Navy’s Evergreen Warship

Explore how the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer underpins global naval power, with this guide revealing its combat systems, missions, upgrades, and evolving role in modern maritime warfare.

2 January

Americas

The US Navy’s 78th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

Rojoef Manuel

US Navy Accepts 78th Arleigh Burke Warship From HII

The US Navy has taken delivery of the 78th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), from HII Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Dec- 2025 -

10 December

Sea