The cutting-edge guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) arrived on August 19 at the Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi, embarking on a transformative two-year modernization process that promises to redefine naval warfare. This strategic maneuver, orchestrated by the United States Navy, will witness the integration of hypersonic missile tubes, solidifying the Zumwalt’s position as one of the most technologically advanced and lethal vessels in the United States fleet.

Setting the Stage for Naval Dominance

In a statement provided to USNI News, the Navy emphasized that the upcoming upgrades aim to ensure the USS Zumwalt maintains its technological superiority, setting new standards for naval capabilities. The centerpiece of this enhancement endeavor is the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system, positioning the Zumwalt to be at the forefront of modern naval warfare.

The USS Zumwalt’s arrival in Pascagoula marked a pivotal moment in its journey. Leaving San Diego earlier this month, the 16,000-ton warship’s transition to the Ingalls Shipbuilding facility is a testament to the commitment of both the Navy and its personnel to the ship’s transformation.

“We extend the warmest welcome to the newest members of our shipyard community. It is an honor for us to serve you and the Navy by doing this important work,” stated Ingalls president Kari Wilkinson, reflecting the shared dedication to this monumental project.

USS Zumwalt: Pioneering Design and Versatile Purpose

USS Zumwalt is the first of its class, initially designed as a multi-mission stealth ship focusing on land attack as its primary role and supporting surface and anti-aircraft warfare as its secondary. Under the Future Surface Combatant program, this sophisticated guided-missile destroyer represents a revolutionary departure from traditional ship design, featuring a sleek, angular hull and an integrated power system that enables enhanced operational efficiency. With this, the ship reduces her radar cross-section, increases stealth, and ensures enhanced survivability in contemporary threat environments.

Named after Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., the destroyer was designed to be a vessel of unparalleled versatility and power and was originally envisioned as a formidable fleet of 32. However, cost overruns prompted reductions, first to 24, then seven, and finally, a streamlined trio of ships, embodying the intricate interplay between strategic vision and fiscal realities.

DDG 1000
(Image source: USN/Wikimedia Commons)

Swapping Guns for Hypersonic Might

The heart of the modernization involves the replacement of the ship’s existing twin 155 mm Advanced Gun Systems with four 87-inch missile tubes. These advanced missile tubes will house three Common Hypersonic Glide Bodies (C-HGB) each, culminating in a total of 12 hypersonic missiles on board. Developed collaboratively by the US Army and Navy, the C-HGB forms an integral part of the Department of Defense’s initiative to establish swift and precise conventional prompt strike capabilities capable of striking targets globally with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

Racing Against Time: The Countdown to Deployment

The ambitious timeline set by the Navy aims to have the USS Zumwalt fully equipped and ready to deploy with its new arsenal by 2025. The move to outfit the Zumwalt-class destroyer with hypersonic weaponry marks a significant shift in focus. Initially conceived as a littoral combatant, the Zumwalt aimed to support troops ashore with the Long-Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). However, the transition from a projected fleet of 30 ships to just three rendered the cost of the LRLAP rounds prohibitive. With foresight, the Navy chose to pivot its strategy, embracing hypersonic technology to enhance its capabilities.

“We’re talking about deploying this system on DDG-1000 in 2025, that’s three years from now,” Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, head of the Navy’s strategic systems programs, declared at the Naval Submarine League’s annual symposium last year, underscoring the Navy’s dedication to meeting its timeline.

Challenges on the Horizon: Technology Maturity and Preparedness

Yet, as with any endeavor of this magnitude, challenges and uncertainties abound. A report from the Government Accountability Office raised questions about the readiness of the hypersonic weapon system for integration within the specified maintenance period. The report highlighted the need for the CPS program to demonstrate technology maturity.

“If the hypersonic weapon is not ready for integration on the DDG 1000 at the time of the aforementioned maintenance period, the Navy may have to extend the duration of the planned maintenance period or wait for the next scheduled period to incorporate the system on the ship,” the report cautioned.

As the USS Zumwalt embarks on this transformative journey, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing that this modernization marks a pivotal chapter in the evolution of naval warfare capabilities. With its integration of hypersonic missile technology, the USS Zumwalt is poised to reshape the seascape of global security, reinforcing the US Navy’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and maritime superiority.