Key Points – The US Navy’s troubled Zumwalt-class destroyers are being revitalized with the integration of Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missiles, transforming them into powerful long-range strike platforms.
-The original class of 32 ships was cut to just three after its Advanced Gun System failed due to exorbitant costs. Now, these stealthy, $8 billion warships are having their defunct guns replaced with vertical launch tubes for hypersonic weapons.
-This upgrade will dramatically increase their strike range from a mere 63 miles to over 1,700 miles, making the Zumwalts relevant and formidable assets for deterring adversaries like China in the 21st century.
Hypersonic Missiles Could Save The Troubled Zumwalt-class Destroyers
The United States Navy’s troubled Zumwalt-class destroyers are getting a much-needed boost with the integration of Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missiles.
The Lyndon B. Johnson, second in class, is undergoing modifications to fire hypersonic missiles, promising global reach and offensive power.
Currently, an HII Mississippi shipyard is installing vertical hypersonic missile tubes on the Zumwalt-class destroyers, replacing twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated due to its high cost.
Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, thereby enhancing the warship’s usefulness.
Will It Be Enough To Save The Zumwalt-class?
The integration of hypersonic missiles on the Zumwalt-class destroyer is indeed a significant step that could potentially “save” the program by revitalizing its purpose and enhancing its relevance in a possible future conflict with China.
Initially designed with advanced features like stealth and electric propulsion, the Zumwalt class faced challenges, particularly with its expensive gun system.
The Navy had planned to order 32 Zumwalt destroyers, and now there are only three on active duty with the Navy.
The two Advanced Gun Systems have failed, and schedule slips and cost overruns have plagued the program. The CPS missiles increase the range of the Zumwalt-class from 63 miles with the Advanced Gun System to 1,725 miles.
The Zumwalt-class ships cost the Navy around $8 billion each, and it is unclear whether the fitting of hypersonic missiles on the destroyers will lead to increased procurement.
Navy Captain Clint Lawler, program manager of the DDG 1000 destroyer program, said on Jan. 15 that it took about two years for the Navy to develop a new approach to integrate four hypersonic conventional prompt strike tubes on the three ships in the class.
“When we began planning this work in 2022, we looked at lessons learned from significant modernization projects, and we realized that a status quo approach would result in significant delays to the fielding of” conventional prompt strike, he said at the Surface Navy Association’s annual symposium.
Zumwalt-class Destroyers Will Be A Powerful Strike Platform
Adding hypersonic missiles, specifically the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, however, transforms the Zumwalt into a powerful strike platform capable of delivering long-range, high-speed attacks. This makes it a much more valuable and versatile platform in the event of war.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 7, offer a critical standoff strike capability against a wide range of targets, including those previously requiring naval gunfire support.
Each of the Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three missiles, for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship.
The Zumwalt’s stealthy design, advanced radar, and electric propulsion system, while not initially fully utilized, would now become valuable assets when paired with the hypersonic missile capability.
“I refer to all the ships that get hypersonics as the Larry Bird ships of the Navy,” Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and former Pentagon staff member who is now a senior fellow at the Sagamore Institute, said, referring to the legendary three-point shooter who played for the Boston Celtics.
“These ships, because of the ranges associated with hypersonics, will be able to do that pinpoint accuracy from way outside the shooting range for the rest of the fleet.”
Because the Zumwalts are designed with a low-radar cross-section, they’ll be able to operate “much more comfortably” in regions where adversaries are practicing area-denial strategies that might keep other platforms at bay, Hendrix added.
The Army is also testing the Conventional Strike Programs for its use and has plans to mount the hypersonic missiles on mobile launchers. The Army and Navy conducted joint tests in 2021.
Adding the CPS hypersonic missile upgrade transforms the Zumwalt from a potentially obsolete warship into a potent and relevant platform capable of projecting power and deterring potential adversaries of the United States in the 21st century.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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