PDR1,
An USN Carrier Strike Group (CSG) typically comprises - depending on the threat level:
The US Navy Aircraft Carriers
- 1 x CVN.
- 1 x Ticonderoga Class cruiser.
- 2 x Arleigh-Burke Class destroyers.
- 1 x Los Angeles Class attack submarine.
- 1 x combined ammunition, oiler, supply ship.
During Fleet Week San Diego, I have had the opportunity to tour the USS Arleigh-Burke a couple of times and - considering the lead ship was commissioned in July 1991 - it is still a very impressive piece of kit packing a punch that makes a Type 45 look distinctly puny. The incremental improvements made to the ships in the class continue to the day with up to 42 new Flight III ships in the class being planned - the first 3 have already been launched.
Arleigh-Burke Armament - latest configuration - cost $1.843B
96-cell Vertical Launch System loaded as required with these options:
Tomahawk surface attack cruise missile
RIM-66 Standard medium range SAM with ASuW option
RIM-161 Standard Ballistic Missile Defense missile (AEGIS)
RIM-162 ESSM SAM
RUM-39 Vertical launch ASROC
RIM-174A ERAM (130>250 nm range)
2 x Mk 141 quad Harpoon launcher
1 x 5" Mk 45 gun
Phalanx CIWS
2 x 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon
2 x Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arleig...lass_destroyer
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Type 45 Armament - cost $1.5B (at 1.5 USD/GBP)
1 x 48-cell Sylver A50 VLS with these options:
Aster 15 missiles (1.7>30 km range)
Aster 30 missiles (3>120 km range)
2 x quad Harpoon launchers
1 x 4.5" Mk 8 gun
2 x Phalanx CIWS
2 x Oerlikon 30mm
2 x Miniguns
6 x GPMGs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_45_destroyer
Personally, I just don't see how the UK is ever going to be able to provide the level of protection to a QE Class carrier that it's investment and embarked assets merit in a multi-threat environment (aircraft, TBM, multiple surface combatants, SSN/SSK).
On the other hand, if Raytheon are to be believed, you're relatively safe if a late model Arleigh Burke is around (tongue in cheek banter).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1-_4tfWR4c