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When it comes to warfare, most people imagine fighter jets and foot soldiers. Sure, you can throw in a few tanks and artillery, but what about the high (and low) seas? When full-out war strikes, the battle is brought to all arenas and that includes the seas. This is a list of the most elite and incredible warships patrolling the seas at any given time. Get ready to see some ships you didn’t think could ever be real.
For centuries having a vast and advanced navy has meant that you would dominate in a war setting. Ships have always been a mean of shifting a country’s power, literally as well. Have you ever heard of the “flying Dutchman”? No? Get a look at Google and you’ll know what I’m talking about. But let’s jump to the present and discuss the subject of warships that have taken both war and ships to the next level. Warships of today have the strength and power to move massive forces across the world to fight on different fronts. Some warships are aircraft carriers which enable fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance planes, helicopters, and other aircraft to travel halfway across the globe without using a single gallon of fuel. Others are used for reconnaissance missions themselves, cruising undetected into enemy waters. But the naval vessel that really takes spying to a different level (literally) is the submarine. It is not only an underwater vehicle that can destroy an entire ship with a single torpedo, but it can be used as a launching pad for a full-on nuclear missile attack.
Warships aren’t always massive; sometimes they are surface skimmers that can cruise along waters at high speeds, with the ability to take on a variety of different missions. A prime example of this is the American “Ghost”, which is in this article. This futuristic warship is enough to scare any enemy out of the water. Its stealth is almost incomparable and enemies know that. But of course, this is only one example of what modern warship technology has come to. Other technology includes impressive missile systems that can fire from sea to land, sea to sea, and sea to air.
So if you’re ready to take a look at the warships that are shaping the future of war on water, this is the list you’ve got to see.
HMS Queen Elizabeth
One of the big dogs of the British naval force is the HMS Queen Elizabeth. This monstrous king of warships is over 900 feet in length and can travel at over 25 knots when put at full speed. The HMS Elizabeth is armed with elite technology capable of taking down almost any threat it faces.
HMS Queen Elizabeth
USS Coronado
Let’s get back into the United States with a ship that our Navy Seals will call home on occasion: the USS Coronado. The USS Coronado is a fierce looking machine that was designed to battle along the coast. This ship may not be huge but it can hit speeds over 40 knots while holding up three different types of aircraft in its body. We’re pretty sure that the training to get on this kind of boat is pretty intense.
USS Coronado
USS Zumwalt
Now we are getting to a ship that looks like it was pulled out of an episode of Star Trek. The USS Zumwalt is over 600 feet long and it weighs in at an incredible 14.5 thousand tons. What makes this ship so special is the advanced tactics that make it capable of tricking the radar of enemy units. Enemy radar will see the Zumwalt as a small boat despite it’s truly gigantic size. There are a host of combat techniques which make this an incredibly useful tool.
USS Zumwalt
HMS Defender
If the HMS Defender were an animal you would probably find it at the big dog training schools out there. This large ship clocks in at 500 feet in length and it can reach speeds of almost 30 knots. The HMS Defender launched in October 2009 and it belongs to the Type 45 Air Defense Destroyer category for the Royal Navy. The HMS Defender comes with an elite array of anti aircraft weapons and it has already seen service off the coast of Syria and the Gulf of Oman as a guard for land forces.
HMS Defender
USS Independence
The USS Independence (LCS-2) was launched in April of 2008 and it is the lead ship of the United State’s Independence Class combat ships. What makes this battleship so special is its versatility as it can make a habit of changing out different systems for specific missions. Included in its different possible systems are: mine hunting, submarine hunting, and small boat warfare. The USS Independence (LCS-2) also has a widened flight deck which is larger than many of the destroyers and cruisers in the US Navy.
USS Independence
USNS Spearhead
This nifty looking ship was the first one built by Austal USA and it was completed in September of 2011. The primary objective of the USNS Spearhead is to utilize its large modular bay, which has 20,000 square feet of space, to be refitted with equipment depending on the mission that the US Navy currently needs it for. The ship is 338 feet long and 94 feet wide and it is primarily being used in non combat roles such as troop and equipment transportation.
USNS Spearhead
Juliet Marine Systems Ghost
Manufacturers designed these warships to counteract the efficiency of gorilla warfare in smaller boats. Gregory Sancoff, who invented the ship, created this design based on the destruction of the USS Cole back in 2000 when a small boat and $500 worth of explosives killed 17 sailors. The GHOST was developed to provide advanced protection for United States soldiers and personnel. It moves at 1/900th the friction of a regular watercraft and is also harder to detect on radar.
Juliet Marine Systems Ghost
USS Gerald Ford
This monolithic craft spans 1,106 feet from tip to tip and it can reach a speed of 30 knots. The USS Gerald Ford is fitted with RIM116 Roling Aiframe Missiles as well as a close combat weapons system (CIWS). The USS Gerald Ford was launched in November of 2013 and it is currently in active duty.
USS Gerald Ford
Charles de Gaulle
Although it is a seemingly old warship, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is one of the greatest in our seas. The ship has the ability to take part in rescue missions and attack missions. It can hold 20-48 different aircraft, depending on their sizes. In total, a huge number of 1,350 personnel are employed on these warships at all times. An additional 600 members are responsible for the air wing of the ship.
Charles De Gaulle
USS America (LHA-6)
This is the fourth warship ever to be granted the title of ‘America’ and the first amphibious America-class assault ship in the US Navy. The LHA-6 was launched in 2012 with the motto “Ready for War or Peace” attached to it. The USS America possesses a larger than average hangar deck and a higher fuel capacity for aviation equipment. It can launch both aircraft and amphibious vehicles from its deck.
USS America (LHA-6)
Juan Carlos I
Spain proudly boasts their multipurpose amphibious assault ship. Since 2010 it has operated as a strategic transport ship for military personnel. It can hold up to 913 soldiers plus two full-sized tanks. But that’s not all. Additionally, it can hold more than 25 aircraft, ranging from helicopters to combat planes.
Juan Carlos I
Steregushchiy #530
The Russian Navy gets a call out in our top 5 thanks to their Steregushchiy class carrier with the Hull #530. This ship class first made an entry in 2001 and it first hit water for the Russian Navy in 2007. Steregushchiy #530 is a well armed battleship with an extensive arsenal, bow mounted Zarya-M radar, and Furke 2 air radar. It is considered the ‘corvette’ of the entire Russian Navy.
Steregushchiy #530
USS Anchorage
Not all ships are designed to rain fire down on the enemy. The USS Anchorage is an amphibious transport warship and the second to get the name Anchorage in the US Navy. This ship is 25 thousand tons and almost 700 feet in length from tip to tip. What makes the USS Anchorage special is its carrying capacity: four Sea Knight Choppers as well as two hovercraft. This ship is also used extensively as a search and recovery ship for vessels that end up caught out at sea and stranded. Two air-frame missile launches on the transport dock give the Anchorage a little bit of bite as well.
USS Anchorage
Dixmude
The French Navy makes a surprise appearance on our list with their assault ship, the Dixmude. The French Dixmude can carry an amazing 16 heavy choppers in its body as well as a tank and a pair of barges. The ship also has enough room to carry up to 70 other smaller vehicles. The Dixmude was launched in September of 2010 and is currently in active service for the French Navy. This is the third ship of France’s Mistral class. It is 32,0000 tons when fully weighed down and it is 653 feet in total length.
Dixmude
Nimitz Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
The biggest warship currently in operation in the entire world: the Nimitz Class Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier is next. The service life of this ship extends over 50 years and the boat can go 20 years without needing to be refueled. This ship was laid out in 1975 and there are 10 in the United States Navy with this moniker. The Nimitz Class ship is over 1,000 feet in length and they can reach speeds of 30 knots. It takes a full 5,000 man crew to keep these boats ready and armed at all stations. At some point in the near future these ships are expected to be completely replaced by the Gerald Ford Class of aircraft carriers.
Nimitz Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
SAS Mendi F148
Named after the 1905 passenger ship that was converted into a troop ship during the First World War, the SAS Mendi joined the South African Navy in 2007. When these warships were commissioned, it traveled out to the site of the sunken ship it was named after and lay a wreath at its sinking site. Currently the SAS Mendi is actively taking part in anti-piracy activities along the eastern African coast.
SAS Mendi F148
Nakhimov 889
The Russian Navy has already commissioned 12 of these advanced patrol boats to attend to their coasts. Their relatively small size allows them to conduct operations close to the shoreline. A small crew of eight members can take care of all functions on board. In addition, the boat can stay at sea for as long as five days at a time because it has onboard fuel and food stores.
Nakhimov 889
HSV 2 Swift Catamaran
The sleekly designed catamaran proved its worth during the 2003 Iraq invasion and served its purpose for the US Navy until 2013. An incident that drew a lot of attention was in 2016 when the warship, which was leased to the United Arab Emirates, was attacked by Houthi rebels and destroyed to the point of no repair. The Swift Catamaran was swift indeed as it could cruise at speeds of 45 knots.
HSV 2 Swift Catamaran
HMS Prince Of Wales
The sister ship of the HMS Queen Elizabeth is brand new, only having been commissioned in September 2017. It can hold a crew of up to 700 personnel and it can host 40 aircraft. This is the Royal Navy’s biggest and most advanced ship to date, and most costly – £3 billion! Weighing in at 70,000 tons with a length of 920 feet, we can understand how this monster will dominate enemies at sea.
HMS Prince Of Wales
HDMS Iver Huitfeldt F361
Although the Royal Danish Navy holds a modest number of vessels, they have advanced ships like the HDMS Iver Huitfeldt. This ship is a multi-role guide missile frigate warship with an advanced air defense system. With a helicopter pad and a hangar on deck, the Iver Huitfeldt is capable of flying in and our supplies while at sea. The Danish Navy is in the process of building an additional three for their fleet.
HDMS Iver Huitfeldt F361
FS Tonnerre L0914 Helicopter Carrier
The massive French Tonnerre helicopter carrier may not be able to travel fast at a low of 19 knots, but it has strength elsewhere. Tonnerre, which means “thunder” in French, uses its great mass to move land to sea, making it one of the most advanced amphibious water war crafts. Even though it is large and is considered an aircraft carrier, it strictly carries rotary engine aircraft only – meaning it only holds helicopters. It can hold up to 35 light class helicopters and 16 medium to heavy class.
FS Tonnerre L0914 Helicopter Carrier
FS L’Adroit P725 Patrol Craft
The electrical offshore patrol ship was created by French builders and for the use of the French Navy. The French Navy has just one of these patrol ships at the moment, and they plan to build one more. Its vast range of purposes this vessel can conduct varies, but recently it has been responsible for overlooking the fishing of red tuna. Its main operation is dealing with threats and illegal activities at sea.
FS L’Adroit P725 Patrol Craft
ENS Gamal Abdel Nasser
This amphibious helicopter carrier made history in Africa by becoming the first and only African country to have a helicopter carrier. Originally the ship was built for the Russian Navy, primarily by France and with help from Russia. After Russia entered war with Ukraine, the global community put pressure on France about the sales and France cancelled the contract. As a form of compensation, the deal was offered to the Egyptian Navy who were interested in buying the ship.
ENS Gamal Abdel Nasser
BNS Barroso
The 154-crew Corvette ship found its home in the Brazilian Navy and has been active since 2008. One of the notable operations this ship took part in was the rescue of some 220 Syrian refugees that were in a sinking vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. There are rumors that a copy of this ship will be built for the central African country of Equatorial Guinea.
BNS Barroso
Atago Destroyer DDG
This medium-sized Japanese guided missile destroyer has been serving the Japanese Navy since 2007. Even though production of this ship has ended, the ship’s cost hasn’t been forgotten. Each unit costs about $1.5 billion, or ¥140 billion. Crew members can fly out from the helicopter landing pad at the back of the vessel if need be. 300 crew members usually run all operations on board the Atago destroyer.
Atago Destroyer DDG
Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
Although it isn’t one of the newest destroyers in the US Navy, the Arleigh Burke Class is one of the most populous with 66 in use and another 76 in production. Production has been underway since 1988. This guided-missile destroyer is also capable of anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, making it one of the most versatile ships in the world.
Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
KD III Class Destroyer
Also under the name of “Sejong the Great”, South Korea’s guided-missile destroyer is often referred to as a close double to the previous Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer. The South Korean Navy has received 3 already and are planing to receive an additional 3. Apart from protecting South Korea’s coasts, it has also enabled the Korean Navy to become a blue-water navy, meaning that it can operate far from its own borders.
KD III Class Destroyer
HMAS Hobart Destroyer
The HMAS Hobart, which got its name from the city in Tasmania, made its way into operation on 23 September 2017. The HMS Hobart provides defense from the air for other ships. It has one of the most sophisticated phased array radar systems and can engage enemy aircraft at distances as great as 150 km away. It is loaded with SM-2 missiles for these operations. Aside from operations above water, it can also provide sonar support and tracking under water.
HMAS Hobart Destroyer
Horizon/Orizzonte Class
These multinational air defense destroyers are a project completed by France and Italy. The conception of this destroyer came after the failure of NATO’s frigate replacement project in the early 1990’s. Originally the UK was a part of the trio destined to construct these destroyers, but they pulled out at the last minute.
Horizon/Orizzonte Class
Kolkata Class Destroyer
When the Indian Navy commissioned the Kolkata destroyer in 2014, they knew that they were taking steps further to becoming a blue-water navy. Equipped with two helicopter pads and a multitude of weapons to protect itself from air, land and sea, this destroyer needs almost 400 crewmen to keep it fully operational.
Kolkata Class Destroyer
Type 52C Luyang II Class
The Chinese Navy built this destroyer for themselves and have completed 6 of them, all of which are in service. 280 crew members are tasked with managing the full armament of the ship: 48 long-range surface-to-air missiles, 24 different variations of anti-ship and anti-personnel missiles, and a variety of guns and torpedoes. The destroyer has anti-torpedo weapons that keeps it safe under water too.
Type 52C Luyang II Class
Akizuki Class
The Akizuki Class destroyer of 2010 is actually the rebirth of the same destroyer, just from 1942. During the Second World War these ships were tasked with fighting smaller ships, aircraft and submarines. Today, their roles have hardly changed since they tackle virtually the same challenges. It takes 200 sailors and officers to keep this destroyer running properly.
Akizuki Class
CNS Kunming
Let’s get something straight. Many people have called this ship the ‘Carrier Killer Destroyer’. Now although it is dangerous and serves a multitude of purposes at sea, it is an overstatement to call it a ‘killer destroyer’. It should be noted that this ship’s air defense systems are considered to be more advanced than those of American ships of this size and standard.
CNS Kunming
INS Makar
Weighing in at 500 tons is the Indian-made Makar catamaran. Since 2012, this super ship has been responsible with collecting information and data in the high and low seas. With only 6 officers and 44 sailors aboard, the INS Makar sets out to sea to conduct research and bring back vital information.
INS Makar
Forbin D620
The French Forbin D260 is an anti-air frigate that has been protecting aircraft carriers since its inception in 2010. Other primary roles that the close-to-200-personnel ship takes on, is protecting under ships’ defense systems when they are under attack.
Forbin D620
HMS Canberra
“For queen and country”, shouts the motto of the HMS Canberra. The massive Australian heavy transport ship is the flagship of the RAN Fleet. It has the capacity to hold over 1 thousand troops, up to 110 heavy vehicles, and a maximum of 18 helicopters. It’s no surprise that this massive ship weighs around 27,500 tons!
HMS Canberra
Sachsen Class Frigate
These warships are the latest and most modern of all German air-defense frigates. It bears anti-radar technology that can deceive an enemy’s radar capabilities. Not only does it provide to helipads for helicopters on board, but it also has twenty-four SM-2 Block IIIA missiles and thirty-two Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. Germany is looking to manufacture 4 more of them, even after cancelling the production of one warship.
Sachsen Class Frigate
Russian Corvette Boikiy
The Russian Corvette Boikiy is able to stay out at sea for 15 days at a time without coming to shore. The 100 crew members would probably prefer not to be stuck on a 2,100 ton boat in the middle of the ocean for that long, though. Aboard the ship is just enough space for a helicopter, but not without having enough space for a collection of radar technology and arms that protect it from enemies above, below and on sea.
Russian Corvette Boikiy
TCG Heybeliada
The TCG Heybeliada (F-511) of the Turkish Navy is the lead ship of all their corvettes. It carries the nickname of “Ghost of the Seas” because of its capability to operate without much radar spotting. It holds an armament of torpedoes, anti-aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles that makes it a nightmare at sea for enemies.
TCG Heybeliada
Admiral Gorshkov
201 crewmen aboard the Admiral Gorshkov frigate could potentially stay at sea for as long as 30 days at a time. However could fly out by helicopter as the ship has one helipad on board. This specific ship prides herself in being able to strike targets from a great distance, as well as being able to protect herself from submarines.
Admiral Gorshkov
Martadinata Class Frigate
Indonesia might not be the first country you think of when it comes to military might, and especially not at sea. But the fact is that they have one of the most advanced and stealthiest ships out there. The Martadinata Class warship may have come out of the Netherlands, but it is operating around Indonesia. Indonesia can only boast one warship like this right now, but there are 5 more warships in the works.
Martadinata Class Frigate
HDMS Absalon
2007 saw the introduction of Denmark’s Absalon class battleships. It needs 169 crewmen to keep it operational, but it can take on more troops if need be by using its two helicopter pads. This warship’s main missions have been off the coast of the Horn of Africa, fighting Somali pirates.
HDMS Absalon
HMS Dauntless D33
The HMS Dauntless D33 is a veteran of many operations at sea. From the “Thursday War” in 2011, to the anti-piracy campaigns of 2015, the British air-defense destroyer has made a name for itself. Traveling at 30 knots, these warships can cover distances of about 7,000 nautical miles – the equivalent of about 13,000 km.
HMS Dauntless D33
Warships Of The Future
The determination of navies worldwide to construct better, and sometimes bigger boats, seems to never end. Cochin Shipyard Limited of India is currently working on an enormous aircraft carrier that is set to sea in 2025. Seeing as it is the first super-carrier being built in India, there is much information that is not for public consumption. The 66,000 ton warship will most probably have the most advanced technology and a wide variety of capabilities to make it one of the most advanced aircraft carriers in the world.
INS Vishal
USS Enterprise CVN 80
We still have a good few years to wait until this massive warship is ready for the high seas. While construction is expected to be complete in 2025, this nuclear-powered super-carrier will be able to carry up to 75 different aircraft. The necessary number of crew members for this massive war machine could be as many as 4,660 personnel.
USS Enterprise CVN 80
Tuo Chiang Class
Taiwan is proud to boast being the developer of this $2.2 billion corvette. This corvette is a master of deception and can travel great distances without radar detection. Additionally, it packs multiple anti-ship missiles which makes it one of the most advanced warships out on the seas.
Tuo Chiang Class
Visby Class
The Visby class corvette of the Swedish Navy costs about $184 million to create, so it’s no wonder they have only completed 5 of these warships. In the future, they plan to build another 6, but I’m sure they would have to spread the military finances over evenly, especially because this stealth missile corvette has a helipad which means the Navy would need to buy helicopters too.
Visby Class
Hayabusa Class
The Japanese can truly be happy with this guided-missile patrol boat. It’s not necessarily on the same size range as the other warships on this list, but it is not a force to be reckoned with. The small 21-man crew can control an array of different weapons, like a 260 kg warhead with a range of 200 km!
Hayabusa Class
Aquitaine Class
It’s not surprising that all of this warship’s details haven’t made it out into the world yet. The French Navy have dubbed this as the backbone of their branch of the military. It was in 2012 that this series of warships entered into service, each taking on a crew of 145 members. The French Navy hasn’t manufactured these warships for their Navy alone, they have also created one for Egypt and one for Morocco.
Aquitaine Class
Skjold Class
The “Shield” is possibly one of the sleekest warships out on the water right now. The Norwegian Navy developed six super-fast, large, stealth missile corvettes that can turn any enemy into a sinking mess. When the Navy first built these ships, they were the fastest of their kind, possibly owing to the fact that they don’t carry torpedoes.
Skjold Class
Sa’ar 4.5 Class
This Israeli-built missile boat is not just in service in Israel, it serves the Greek Coast Guard too. Even beyond the waters of the Mediterranean, the Sa’ar 4.5 Class missile boat is part of the Mexican Navy’s fleet. This missile boat is packed with anti-ship missiles, machine guns, cannons, surface-to-air missiles, and a helipad which accompanies a helicopter hangar.
Sa’ar 4.5 Class
Type 22 Houbei Class
It is one of the most beautiful warships from around the world, but who cares if it’s good-looking? The Chinese ship is a fast-attack craft that resembles many others of this kind. One of its biggest pros is that due to its quick and smooth traveling, crew members suffer less from sea sickness. This is especially a plus when transporting special forces into combat situations.
Type 22 Houbei Class
F125 Class
If you happen to have 650 million Euros lying around, then consider yourself one of the few people who can buy one of these German warships. This brand new frigate came into full service last year, in 2017. With a massive weight of 7,200 tonnes, they rank as the heaviest warships in their category.
F125 Class
Carlo Bergamini Class
Italy’s Carlo Bergamini Class has picked up quite a lot of controversy over the type of warship it is considered. While its size suggests that it is a destroyer, the Italian Navy claims that it is a frigate, for political purposes. The destroyer… I mean, frigate, has anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine missiles and an air defense system.
Carlo Bergamini Class
Hamina Class
The Finnish fast-attack craft (has a nice ring to it) came into service during the 90’s, upgraded in the 2000’s and continued to be made in the 2010’s. What makes this ship stand out from other warships is that it can simultaneously engage 8 different aircraft at a time… provided that they’re within a 14 km range.
Hamina Class
Soryu Class
The Japanese Navy has 9 of these submarines and plans to build another 4 of them. It’s a Japanese tradition to name submarines after ocean currents, but recently they have changed to name them after mythological creatures. When it comes to the Soryu class, they took the name from a World War II aircraft carrier that sunk during the Battle of Midway.
Soryu Class
Jin Class Type 094 Submarine
Did you know that the existence of this Chinese submarine was not known until a satellite image showed it at the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base in 2006. Experts still aren’t sure if this submarine is intended to be the launchpad for nuclear missiles, but most agree that it probably will be.
Jin Class Type 094 Submarine
Improved Los Angeles Class
Although the Virginia Class submarine has been taking the place of the Los Angeles Class submarine, the latter was one of the most feared subs during the Cold War. America built sixty two of these nuclear submarines, that’s a lot! They aren’t just responsible for nuclear operations, they also are one of the greatest sources of intelligence gathering.
Improved Los Angeles Class
Ohio Class
Would it surprise you if you knew that this American submarine’s range was only limited to the amount of food it holds. Although this underwater wonder came into usage in 1981, it has been serving the U.S. Navy since. 14 of these submarines are ballistic missile submarines and another four are guided-missile submarines.
Ohio Class
Akula Class
Back in 1985, the Soviet-built submarine caught the U.S. Navy off guard as they didn’t expect such a submarine to be built by the Soviets for at least another 10 years. Today the submarine still serves Russia, but one doesn’t – the Indian Navy bought one of them.
Akula Class
Astute Class
This is the latest from the British Royal Navy, and boy can we see why they’re so excited about it. This nuclear-powered submarine is all about stealth, weapons and communications which makes it one of the top in the world, or under the sea rather.
Astute Class
Graney Class
This is Russia’s latest nuclear-powered submarine, or multipurpose attack submarine if you prefer to be more specific. The Russian Navy has completed two of them but it plans to construct another 8 of them. The sub can hold a crew of 64 members and has the ability to stay out at sea forever… provided the crew gets food.
Graney Class
Virginia Class
This American nuclear attack submarine is enough to scare the North Korean military back into hiding. The U.S. Navy plans to build 48 of these bad boys, while at the moment they have 16 of them.
Virginia Class
Oscar II Class
And now back to the Russians. The Soviet Union built this powerful submarine in 1981 and still have it in service now. It is equipped with cruise missiles with warheads and anti-submarine torpedoes. I think we can all agree that we wouldn’t want to meet up with this guy while taking a dip in the ocean.
Oscar II Class
Warships Into The Future
Who knows what will be when it comes to water and underwater warfare. The past has taught us that weapons and weapon systems can change at a moment’s notice, especially in the case of war. Experts believe that maritime warfare will change in the coming years, who knows what will come.
Warships Into The Future