Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:58:19-3:59:23

Type 45 and Burke defenses work best together

The preferred ballistic-missile defence combines Type 45 and Burke capabilities, with the missile variant and installed data-sharing equipment determining what the ships can do together.

Aegis Combat SystemArleigh Burke Class DestroyersAster 30Ballistic Missile DefenceType 45 Destroyer
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Question

Would a Type 45 intercept ballistic missiles in the Red Sea more efficiently than an Arleigh Burke using SM-6?

Short answer

There is no clear overall advantage; the preferred arrangement combines a Burke and Type 45 with effective data sharing.

Notes

Type 45 and Arleigh Burke offer different strengths against ballistic missiles. SAMPSON's radar arrangement has some advantages over Aegis for this task, while the Aster variant fitted limits the interception capability available. The preferred arrangement is a Burke and a Type 45 exchanging data and working together. Space and a specification for the necessary British data-sharing equipment had been provided, but the equipment and electronics had not been fitted.