US Navy starts Hormuz blockade: This 9,000-tonne destroyers with Tomahawk has been deployed to stop the sea traffic, check features

There has been activity in the Middle East for 46 days and now, after Iran, the USA has declared a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Hormuz is a 34 km wide strip of water connecting the Persian Gulf (in the west) to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (in the east/southeast) and is responsible for transporting 20% ​​of the world’s energy trade.

The announcement of the US naval blockade has once again put the spotlight on the Arleigh-Bruke-class destroyers, the backbone of the US Navy’s surface fleet and among the most capable warships operating worldwide today. Designed for versatility, survivability and sustained combat operations, these destroyers are at the center of any large-scale naval deployment.

The Arleigh-Bruke class is the largest class of surface combatants in service anywhere in the world. So far, a total of 74 ships have been delivered to the fleet, from DDG 51 to DDG 123 and DDG 125. The Navy has another 25 ships under contract, with 12 currently in various stages of construction, underscoring the continued expansion of the fleet.

What is an Arleigh-Bruke class ship?

These destroyers are designed as multi-mission platforms that can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and replenishment formations. Equipped with the Aegis combat system, these vehicles can combat threats in air, surface and underwater areas.

Newer variants also bring ballistic missile defense capabilities, significantly increasing their role in strategic deterrence and regional security operations.

Also Read: US Israel-Iran War Day 46: US blockade of Hormuz begins; Washington and Tehran focus on second round of talks

Firepower and onboard systems

Each Arleigh-Bruke class destroyer is heavily armed and technologically advanced, serving as the U.S. Navy’s primary multi-mission fighter. Its key systems include two MK 41 vertical launch systems capable of deploying a wide range of missiles, including long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, precision land attack strikes, a 5-inch gun turret for naval gunfire support, and MK 32 triple torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare. Advanced radar and sonar systems allow the ship to detect and engage threats at long ranges, while four gas turbine engines allow speeds in excess of 30 knots, providing rapid deployment and maneuverability.

Design, size and crew of the Arleigh-Bruke class destroyer

A typical destroyer of this class is 509 feet long and 66 feet wide and has a displacement of approximately 9,300 tons. Each ship takes approximately four years to build and operates with a crew of more than 350 sailors.

The ships are constructed entirely of steel, increasing survivability in combat scenarios and feature continuous design improvements based on operational feedback.

Advanced construction and engineering

The construction of these destroyers reflects advanced shipbuilding practices. Using modular construction techniques, 72 structural units are assembled into 21 large blocks, which are then integrated into the ship’s hull and superstructure.

The process involves extensive pre-equipment of systems such as pipes, electrical networks and machinery before final assembly. After the construction is completed, the ship is launched within a 12-hour period, and then final equipment and tests are carried out at the pier.

Survival and stealth features

Arleigh-Bruke class destroyers were built with a strong focus on survival. While armor is placed around critical systems, radar, infrared and acoustic signatures are also reduced, making detection difficult.

The ships are strengthened against the effects of electromagnetic pulses and explosions and are equipped with a collective protection system to protect the crew against nuclear, chemical and biological threats.

In addition, each ship contains approximately 322 miles (about 518 km) of cables, 185,000 feet of pipe and extensive insulation; This reflects the complexity and scale of the systems on board.

Continuous development with flight types

The class has evolved through four major variants known as Flight 1, 2.2A and 3. Each successive version has included technological advances in radar systems, sonar capabilities, hull design and missile capability.

The latest additions to the fleet continue to enhance the Navy’s ability to operate in contested environments with advanced detection, tracking and response capabilities.

Last added to the fleet

The newest ship of its class, USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., was launched on April 11, 2026, marking the continued expansion of this critical fleet.

The latest Flight III upgrade marks a huge leap forward in capability for the class. At its center is the AN/SPY-6(V)1 air and missile defense radar; This radar is a next-generation system that provides significantly improved detection and tracking performance compared to previous Flight IIA ships.

This radar allows Flight III destroyers to simultaneously perform anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense missions, meeting the Navy’s need for a more advanced integrated air and missile defense capability.

Strategic role in blockade operations

In the context of the naval blockade, Arleigh-Bruke class destroyers play a very important role. Their ability to control sea lanes, intercept threats, provide missile defense and operate as part of larger naval formations make them indispensable for strengthening maritime dominance.

As tensions rise and large-scale deployments increase, these destroyers remain at the forefront of U.S. naval power projection, combining firepower, endurance and advanced technology on a single platform.