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Originally Posted by rcaf_777
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I think this is more along the lines of what China (and America) could build, but I think it would be manned and more versatile.
The Russians are planning to build the 20,000 ton Lider Class "Destroyer" to replace the Kirov's and this is more along the lines I would be expecting from China.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lider-class_destroyer
As a side note I don't know if it would now be possible to reactivate the Iowa Class battleships. Missouri and New Jersey are now museum pieces, as are Iowa and Wisconsin although the two later ships were well preserved by an act of congress up until 2006. I believe Wisconsin is considered to be in the best condition of the 4 ships, and the other ships could be used to provide parts for what cant be manufactured. But I don't know if any rounds for their 16inch guns are still stored. It would be costly to upgrade and even bring back one of them, but still possibly cheaper than building a new Arleigh Burke Class destroyer.
Alternatively for a lot more money it may be possible to heavily modify them. Fit them with new engines and control systems, remove all the 5 inch guns and one of the 16 inch turrets, and replace them with new weapons and sensors and fit a large VLS missile launching system in the well of the removed turret. It may be possible to even develop a new large railgun for them.