The USS Zumwalt, an icon of naval innovation and the lead ship of its class, has embarked on a mission that will cement its role as one of the most formidable assets in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal. The guided-missile destroyer arrived at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Aug. 19, heralding a new era of warfare technology. As part of a significant upgrade, the Zumwalt is set to modernize its combat capabilities with the integration of hypersonic missiles, a move that will dramatically extend its strike capability and challenge adversaries with unprecedented speed and precision.
Following a $154.8 million contract announced by the Pentagon, with work scheduled for completion by September 2025, the destroyer will undergo a transformative refit. The existing twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems will be replaced by four 87-inch missile tubes designed to house the cutting-edge Common Hypersonic Glide Bodies (C-HGB). This hypersonic weaponry, a joint development effort by the U.S. Army and the Navy, forms part of the Pentagon’s strategic conventional weapon systems, with the ability to strike globally with minimal warning.
The urgency of this development is underscored by the Navy’s ambition to have the weapons ready for testing by December 2025, a timeline that comes with its challenges. The Government Accountability Office indicated that delays in the development of the C-HGB could potentially push the integration beyond the planned maintenance period. A June report cautioned, “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.”
Adding to the complexity of the upgrade is the Navy’s intent to not only arm Zumwalt with these hypersonic missiles but also to field the weapon in the Virginia Payload Module of the Block V Virginia-class attack submarines by 2029. This dual-pronged approach signifies the Navy’s commitment to multi-platform rapid strike capability, reinforcing deterrence and response readiness.
The Zumwalt’s journey towards hypersonic armament began upon its commissioning in Baltimore on Oct. 15, where it was heralded as the Navy’s most advanced surface warship. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, including an electric propulsion system, a stealth design, and the latest warfighting technology, the Zumwalt was designed for a range of missions, from power projection to command and control. The Secretary of the Navy at the time, Hon. Ray Mabus, emphasized the ship’s role in providing operational stability and a strategic advantage for the U.S.
The Zumwalt-class’s emphasis on innovation and integration echoes the legacy of its namesake, Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. Known for his efforts to “modernize and humanize” the Navy, Zumwalt embodied the spirit of change, a philosophy that continues to resonate through the current upgrade to hypersonic capability. Indeed, the ship is poised to challenge traditional notions of naval force employment, providing an asymmetric advantage that aligns with Admiral Zumwalt’s forward-thinking approach.
As the USS Zumwalt prepares for this new chapter, the eyes of the world are watching. The destroyer’s journey from San Diego to Mississippi is more than just a transit; it is a voyage towards the future of naval warfare. With the integration of hypersonic missiles, the Zumwalt will not only enhance its lethality but also affirm the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a formidable, cutting-edge fleet ready to confront the challenges of a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
Relevant articles:
– HII Awarded $155M Contract for USS Zumwalt Hypersonic Missile Upgrade, USNI News, Aug 29, 2023
– HII Awarded $155M Contract for USS Zumwalt Hypersonic Missile Upgrade, USNI News
– USS Zumwalt, Navy’s Most Advanced Surface Warship, Commissioned in Baltimore, pacom.mil
– USS Zumwalt Arrives in Mississippi for Hypersonic Weapon Installation, USNI News, Aug 19, 2023