Q&A · 1:29:36-1:30:52

Which modern Western warships still have armour?

Battleship-scale armour is distinguished from protection around critical spaces in modern ships.

Question

What was the last Western warship class to carry meaningful armour?

Short answer

It depends on the standard of protection: Vanguard and the Iowas illustrate battleship-scale armour, while carriers and other modern ships retain more local protection.

Notes

Dan names the Ford-class carriers. Clarke distinguishes battleship-scale armour, associated with Vanguard and the Iowas, from cruiser-scale coverage and protection around critical spaces. Modern ships can retain local protection without a battleship armour scheme. Carrier protection is acknowledged, and Dan also mentions Kevlar around parts of Arleigh Burke destroyers. Suspected armour arrangements on other ships remain unspecified.