U.S. Navy Upgrades 2 Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers with Advanced Missile Defense Systems.

The modernization of USS Chung-Hoon and USS James E. Williams marks another step in the U.S. Navy's effort to keep its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers at the forefront of high-end naval warfare, reinforcing the fleet's ability to counter advanced missile threats and operate effectively in contested maritime environments. Announced by the U.S. Navy on June 29, 2026, the upgrades significantly enhance integrated air and missile defense, electronic warfare, and multi-domain combat capabilities while extending the service life of two key Flight IIA destroyers.

The DDG MOD 2.0 modernization introduces next-generation combat systems and electronic warfare improvements that improve survivability, sensor integration, and engagement capacity against increasingly sophisticated aerial and maritime threats. The program reflects the Navy's broader strategy of maximizing the combat effectiveness of existing surface combatants as great-power competition drives demand for more capable and resilient naval forces.

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U.S. Navy USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) departs Naval Base San Diego on April 20, 2026, for sea trials after completing its DDG Modernization 2.0 upgrade, which enhances the destroyer's Integrated Air and Missile Defense and electronic warfare capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

The two Arleigh Burke destroyers completed their Depot Modernization Periods (DMPs) through a joint effort involving General Dynamics NASSCO, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), and multiple government and industry installation teams. The work builds on the first DDG MOD 2.0 modernization completed aboard USS Pinckney (DDG 91), reflecting a more mature and efficient upgrade process while returning combat-ready warships to the fleet more quickly.

The DDG MOD 2.0 program goes well beyond extending the service life of Flight IIA destroyers. It introduces new combat systems, upgrades mission-critical infrastructure, and prepares these warships to integrate future technologies throughout the remainder of their operational careers. As the Arleigh Burke class continues to form the backbone of the U.S. Navy's surface force, keeping these ships technologically relevant remains central to maintaining fleet readiness amid growing strategic competition.

A key element of the modernization is the installation of the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3. This system represents a major advance in electronic warfare by combining improved threat detection with active electronic attack capabilities. The suite can identify, classify, and geolocate hostile emitters while disrupting enemy radar systems and missile seekers across a wide portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electronic warfare has become a decisive factor in modern naval combat. Long before missiles are launched, warships compete to detect, identify, and disrupt one another's sensors. The AN/SLQ-32(V)7 gives commanders additional options to degrade an adversary's targeting process, reducing reliance on kinetic interceptors and complicating enemy attack planning. This capability becomes increasingly valuable as potential adversaries field larger missile salvos supported by integrated surveillance networks.

The modernization also strengthens each destroyer's contribution to the U.S. Navy's Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture. Equipped with the Aegis Combat System and the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, Flight IIA destroyers already provide layered defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and surface threats. The addition of advanced electronic warfare expands the defensive envelope by engaging threats before they reach the point at which missile interceptors become necessary.

The work completed during the depot period includes upgrades to combat system computing, shipboard networks, electrical distribution, and supporting infrastructure. Although less visible than new weapons or sensors, these improvements provide the digital backbone required for future software updates, additional sensors, and next-generation weapons. This approach allows the Navy to introduce new capabilities through incremental modernization instead of waiting for entirely new ship designs.

Capt. Tim Moore, program manager for Destroyer Modernization 2.0, described the effort as a cornerstone of extending the operational life and combat effectiveness of Flight IIA destroyers. He said the program has shifted acquisition planning and execution earlier in the process to deliver new capabilities to operational commanders faster while supporting the Navy's objective of maintaining a lethal, resilient, and adaptable force.

Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander of the Navy Regional Maintenance Center, credited the close cooperation between MARMC, SWRMC, General Dynamics NASSCO, and numerous government and industry teams for successfully delivering both destroyers back to the fleet. The integration of complex combat systems during scheduled maintenance periods requires extensive coordination between shipyards, engineering organizations, combat system specialists, and fleet operators.

The successful completion of the modernization demonstrates the Navy's growing confidence in the DDG MOD 2.0 process. Experience gained during the earlier upgrade of USS Pinckney has improved installation procedures, reduced integration risks, and accelerated delivery schedules. These efficiencies will become increasingly important as additional Flight IIA destroyers enter modernization over the coming years.

The program also reflects broader changes in the Navy's acquisition strategy. Oversight now falls under the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Maritime, which serves as the single accountable organization responsible for delivering surface ships and coordinating modernization priorities. The intent is to shorten acquisition timelines, improve execution, and align modernization decisions more closely with operational requirements.

For the U.S. Navy, these upgrades represent more than routine maintenance. They preserve the combat value of one of the world's most capable guided-missile destroyer fleets at a time when China and Russia continue to expand their long-range precision-strike capabilities. Modernized Flight IIA Arleigh Burke destroyers equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, integrated air and missile defense, and digital combat architectures will remain central to carrier strike group operations, ballistic missile defense missions, distributed maritime operations, and forward deployments across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. They also provide the Navy with a cost-effective way to increase combat power while future surface combatant programs, including DDG(X), continue their development.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years of experience in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis of military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.