destroyer – 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.

13 May

Americas

Rendering of the lead Trump-class battleship USS Defiant (BBG-1)

Rojoef Manuel

US Navy Unveils 30-Year ‘Golden Fleet’ Modernization Plan to Reach 450+ Ships

The US Navy has released a three-decade shipbuilding plan aimed at expanding its fleet beyond 450 vessels in the early 2030s while overhauling acquisition practices and rebuilding the maritime industrial base.

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 -

28 April

Europe

UK Royal Navy's first Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow.

Rojoef Manuel

Global Combat Ship Program Expands to Four Members With Norway Entry

Norway has officially joined the user group under the Global Combat Ship program, a multinational defense alliance to build up to 34 modern surface combatants for the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Jan- 2026 -

5 January

Business

Inder Singh Bisht

Italy to Launch Next-Gen Destroyer Procurement Worth $3.17 Billion

Italy will launch the procurement for two next-generation destroyers for the Italian Navy on February 18.

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 -

17 December

Americas

Giulia Bernacchi

US Approves $100M Sale to Maintain Japan’s Aegis Destroyers

The US State Department has approved a possible $100-million foreign military sale to Japan to maintain its Aegis-equipped destroyers.

10 December

Americas

NORFOLK, Va. (May 6, 2025) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment. The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departed Norfolk as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The deployment will underscore the U.S. Navy's commitment to maritime security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo/video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Porsha Thompson)

Rojoef Manuel

BAE to Revamp US Navy’s 48th Arleigh Burke Destroyer

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $123-million contract to modernize the 48th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

2 December

Sea

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) transits the Atlantic Ocean during acceptance trials April 21, 2016

Bea Castañeda

Breaking Down the Zumwalt-Class Destroyer: The US Navy’s Stealth Warship

Explore the Zumwalt-class destroyer’s cutting-edge design and capabilities in our full guide to see why it matters for US naval power.

Nov- 2025 -

24 November

Americas

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully completed acceptance trials for Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128), the second Flight III destroyer built by Ingalls. The ship successfully demonstrated required mission capabilities and is now preparing for delivery to the U.S. Navy. (Photo by HII)

Rojoef Manuel

Future USS Ted Stevens Destroyer Clears Final Trials Ahead of US Navy Handover

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Mississippi has concluded the final trials of the US Navy’s 78th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

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