Destroyers are among the most powerful and versatile warships afloat, designed to dominate the seas with unmatched agility, advanced technology, and overwhelming firepower. Unlike conventional naval vessels, modern destroyers are built as true multi-role platforms, capable of engaging aerial, surface, and underwater threats with equal precision. Their significance lies not only in defending carrier strike groups and amphibious task forces but also in projecting power across vast oceans, making them the spearhead of a nation’s naval supremacy. Armed with vertical launch systems, supersonic or hypersonic missiles, advanced sonar, and cutting-edge radar, these vessels can track and neutralise threats long before they become imminent.
What sets the world’s leading destroyers apart is their combination of stealthy design, endurance, and integration of next-generation combat systems. From missile defence to long-range strike missions, they ensure dominance in high-intensity conflicts and deterrence in contested waters. Whether it is safeguarding maritime trade routes or serving as the backbone of modern navies, destroyers are indispensable in shaping global maritime strategy. In this article, we highlight the top five active destroyers in the world, each embodying innovation, resilience, and unrivalled combat capability—standing as a true testament to the future of naval warfare.
In this article we will be ranking the top 5 active destroyers ever built based on their armaments and stealth capabilities and also based on their anti ship or anti submarine role which will take priority over their ground attack roles.
5 - Sejong the Great-class destroyer
The Sejong the Great-class destroyer, officially designated as the KDX-III class, is one of the most formidable warships ever built by South Korea based on American design Arleigh Bukre-class destroyer. Developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, this class is a reflection of South Korea’s ambition to become a blue-water navy capable of projecting power far beyond its coastal waters. Named after King Sejong the Great, one of Korea’s most revered rulers, these destroyers embody strength, innovation, and advanced combat capability, making them a cornerstone of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
Commissioned in 2008, the lead ship ROKS Sejong the Great set new standards in size and firepower. With a displacement larger than many cruisers, the class is among the heaviest and most heavily armed destroyers in service worldwide. Its integration of the American Aegis Combat System grants it unmatched air defence and missile interception capabilities, while its extensive missile loadout allows it to engage threats across all domains—air, sea, and land. The Sejong the Great-class is not just a defensive shield but also a powerful strike platform, capable of supporting South Korea’s long-term strategic deterrence and regional influence.
Performance Characteristics of Sejong the Great-class Destroyer:
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Displacement: Approximately 11,000 tonnes (full load)
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Length: 166 metres
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Speed: 30+ knots
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Range: 5,500 nautical miles
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Armament:
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128-cell Vertical Launch System (K-VLS and Mk 41)
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Standard Missiles (SM-2/SM-3) for air defence and ballistic missile interception
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Hyunmoo cruise missiles for land attack
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K-ASROC and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare
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127 mm naval gun and close-in weapon systems (Goalkeeper/Phalanx)
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Aviation: Supports two helicopters (e.g., MH-60R or Lynx)
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Radar & Sensors: Aegis AN/SPY-1D multifunction radar, advanced sonar suites, and electronic warfare systems
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Crew: Around 300+ personnel
The Sejong the Great-class stands as one of the most heavily armed and advanced destroyers globally, blending formidable firepower with cutting-edge defence systems—making it a true naval powerhouse in East Asia.
4 - Maya-class destroyer
The Maya-class destroyer is Japan’s latest generation of advanced guided-missile destroyers based on US navy's Arleigh Bukre-class destroyer, designed to strengthen the nation’s maritime defence and contribute to regional security. Built by Japan Marine United Corporation, this class is an evolution of the Atago-class, with significant upgrades in missile defence, networking, and electronic warfare. Named after Mount Maya in Kobe, the class symbolises resilience and strength, while serving as a critical pillar of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Commissioned in 2020, the lead ship JS Maya (DDG-179), followed by JS Haguro (DDG-180), marked a new era in Japan’s naval capabilities. Unlike their predecessors, the Maya-class destroyers are specifically designed to counter the growing threat of ballistic and cruise missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. Equipped with the cutting-edge Aegis Baseline 9 system and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), they can share real-time tracking data with allied forces, enhancing collective defence. Their ability to integrate seamlessly with U.S. and allied naval assets ensures Japan’s place at the forefront of regional security cooperation.
Performance Characteristics of Maya-class Destroyer:
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Displacement: Approximately 10,250 tonnes (full load)
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Length: 170 metres
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Speed: 30+ knots
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Range: Around 5,500 nautical miles
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Armament:
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96-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (SM-2, SM-3, SM-6, and ESSM missiles)
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Type 17 anti-ship missiles
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127 mm naval gun
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Phalanx CIWS and SeaRAM for close-in defence
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Torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare
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Aviation: Supports SH-60K anti-submarine helicopters
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Radar & Sensors: Aegis AN/SPY-1D(V) radar, sonar suites, and advanced electronic warfare systems
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Crew: Around 300 personnel
The Maya-class destroyers stand out as highly capable ballistic missile defence platforms, combining Japan’s technological excellence with alliance-based interoperability. They embody the nation’s commitment to maintaining maritime security in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.
3 - Visakhapatnam-class destroyer
The Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, also known as the Project 15B class, represents the cutting edge of India’s naval power. Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), these warships are among the most advanced surface combatants in the Indian Navy’s fleet. Designed with stealth features, superior automation, and enhanced weapon systems, the Visakhapatnam-class highlights India’s growing self-reliance in naval engineering and its ambition to project power across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
The INS Visakhapatnam was solely designed for anti ship and submarine roles which makes it to the top 3 spot as we are giving priority to anti ship role over ground attack. Not only that, these destroyers also incorporate advanced technologies from the United States, Russia, Europe, and Israel, along with systems developed indigenously in India.
Commissioned in 2021, the lead ship INS Visakhapatnam set a new benchmark for modern destroyers with its multi-role capabilities. The class is tailored for high-intensity operations, ranging from anti-air and anti-submarine warfare to surface strike missions. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors and long-range missile systems, these destroyers provide a formidable shield for carrier battle groups while also operating independently when required. The blend of indigenous technology with proven systems makes them both versatile and future-ready, ensuring that they remain relevant in the evolving maritime landscape.
Performance Characteristics of Visakhapatnam-class Destroyer:
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Displacement: Approximately 7,400 tonnes
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Length: 163 metres
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Speed: 30+ knots
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Range: Over 4,000 nautical miles
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Armament:
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16 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
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32 Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles
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Torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rockets
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76 mm super rapid gun mount and AK-630 CIWS
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Aviation: Supports two multi-role helicopters
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Radar & Sensors: MF-STAR multifunction radar, sonar suites, and electronic warfare systems
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Crew: Around 300 personnel
The Visakhapatnam-class destroyer is a symbol of India’s naval modernisation—combining stealth, endurance, and firepower to dominate in both littoral and blue-water environments.
2 - Type 055
The Type 055 destroyer, also known by NATO as the Renhai-class cruiser, is the most advanced and largest surface combatant in active service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, this warship represents a significant leap in Chinese naval engineering and global maritime ambitions. Often considered closer in size and capability to a cruiser than a traditional destroyer, the Type 055 is designed for multi-role operations, from fleet air defence to long-range strike and anti-submarine warfare. It plays a central role in China’s expanding blue-water navy strategy.
The first ship, Nanchang (101), was commissioned in 2020, marking the arrival of a class that rivals and, in some aspects, surpasses contemporary Western destroyers. The Type 055 integrates stealth features, advanced sensors, and an extensive missile arsenal, enabling it to perform both offensive and defensive missions with precision. With its powerful radar systems and massive vertical launch capacity, it provides a protective shield for carrier strike groups while also serving as an independent strike platform. Its size, endurance, and firepower have positioned it as one of the most formidable surface combatants in the world.
Performance Characteristics of Type 055 Destroyer:
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Displacement: Approximately 12,000–13,000 tonnes (full load)
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Length: 180 metres
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Speed: 30 knots
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Range: 5,000–6,000 nautical miles
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Armament:
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112-cell Universal Vertical Launch System (HHQ-9B SAMs, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles, and Yu-8 ASROC)
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H/PJ-38 130 mm naval gun
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CIWS (H/PJ-11 30 mm Gatling gun and HQ-10 missile system)
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Torpedo launchers for ASW
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Aviation: Flight deck and hangar for two Z-20 or Ka-28 helicopters
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Radar & Sensors: Dual-band radar (Type 346B AESA), towed sonar arrays, and advanced electronic warfare suites
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Crew: Around 300 personnel
The Type 055 is a symbol of China’s maritime rise—combining scale, stealth, and cutting-edge firepower. It is not only a guardian for China’s aircraft carriers but also a powerful instrument of naval dominance in contested waters.
1 - Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG-1000)
The Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG-1000) is the most futuristic and unconventional surface combatant ever commissioned by the United States Navy. Designed with a focus on stealth, automation, and next-generation weaponry, this class represents a bold departure from traditional warship design. Its sleek, angular hull form and wave-piercing tumblehome shape drastically reduce radar cross-section, making it appear as small as a fishing boat on enemy radars despite being larger than most destroyers. Named after Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, a visionary U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, the class embodies innovation and technological ambition.
Commissioned in 2016, the lead ship USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) was followed by USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) and USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002). Though initially envisioned as a fleet of 32 ships, the programme was scaled down to just three due to high costs and shifting priorities. Nevertheless, these destroyers remain highly advanced platforms, optimised for land-attack missions, sea control, and integration of future systems such as hypersonic missiles and directed-energy weapons. With automation reducing crew requirements and cutting-edge combat systems enhancing versatility, the Zumwalt-class is often described as a warship built for the future battlefield.
Performance Characteristics of Zumwalt-class Destroyer:
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Displacement: Approximately 15,600 tonnes (full load)
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Length: 190 metres
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Speed: 30+ knots
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Range: 4,500+ nautical miles
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Armament:
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80 Mk 57 Peripheral Vertical Launch System (SM-series missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, ESSM, ASROC)
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Two Advanced Gun Systems (155 mm) – future potential for hypersonic rounds
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Two 30 mm close-in guns
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Future upgrades for hypersonic weapons and lasers
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Aviation: Flight deck and hangar for two MH-60R helicopters or one helicopter plus UAVs
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Radar & Sensors: AN/SPY-3 multifunction radar, sonar suites, advanced electronic warfare systems
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Crew: Approximately 175 personnel (significantly lower than other destroyers of its size)
The Zumwalt-class is not only the largest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy but also its most experimental, showcasing how stealth, automation, and futuristic weaponry could redefine naval warfare.
Note - You might be wondering why this list excludes the Arleigh Burke class destroyer of the US navy, well it's derivatives like the South Korean and Japanese destroyers Sejong the Great and Maya-class respectively are already included in this list we haven't included it again.
Summary :
Destroyers today are no longer mere escorts; they are the backbone of modern naval power, blending cutting-edge technology with unmatched versatility. The five warships we have explored—India’s Visakhapatnam-class, South Korea’s Sejong the Great-class, Japan’s Maya-class, China’s Type 055 Renhai-class, and the United States’ Zumwalt-class—stand as prime examples of how nations are redefining maritime dominance. Each reflects not only the naval doctrine of its country but also the strategic priorities shaping the future of global security. While the Visakhapatnam-class symbolises India’s growing self-reliance and regional strength, the Sejong the Great-class highlights South Korea’s pursuit of unmatched firepower. Japan’s Maya-class underscores precision, interoperability, and missile defence, while China’s Type 055 reveals a bold leap into blue-water supremacy. The Zumwalt-class, though few in number, represents an experimental leap into stealth and futuristic warfare.
Together, these destroyers embody the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, where massive displacement meets stealthy profiles, and advanced missile systems meet cooperative engagement capabilities. They are not simply ships, but symbols of national pride, technological progress, and strategic intent. As great power competition intensifies, these destroyers will play pivotal roles in maintaining deterrence, ensuring sea control, and shaping the maritime balance of the 21st century.