The ambitious features of Russia’s projected Lider Class nuclear-powered destroyers and Russia’s economic capacity to produce them have created debate. Critics of the suggested nuclear propulsion system for a warship the size of a destroyer have claimed it to be superfluous and maybe harmful. Skepticism over the project’s viability has resulted from its expected cost and Russia’s capacity to produce sophisticated components under international sanctions. Naval specialists wonder if the purported stealth characteristics and weapon capabilities of the design are practical considering present technology restrictions.
4. ## HMS Daring Type 45
Though not usually for good reasons, the HMS Daring and her Type 45 siblings have left naval experts shocked. Promoted as the most modern air defense ships in the world, these destroyers have suffered humiliating propulsion problems, mostly in warm waters. Originally offering unheard-of efficiency, the groundbreaking Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system became troublesome in practical terms. Complete power outages in the Persian Gulf caused by the ships often resulted in a huge £160 million refurbishment programme. Furthermore under fire for their excessive cost and complexity are the boats’ sophisticated Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). Most controversially, the programme was cut from twelve ships to just six, therefore affecting the Royal Navy’s air defence capacity. Although sophisticated, the Sea Viper missile system of the ships begs questions over its dependability and interface with NATO systems. The choice to move forward with commissioning despite documented propulsion system flaws stunned naval specialists especially.
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