For a long time, the U.S. Navy was as captivated by the Zumwalt-class destroyers as it was equally exasperated with them. These vessels were initially designed to be high-tech, stealthy, and agile, thereby being able to displace the existing surface combat ships. What later happened was such that the program’s reputation became one characterized by escalating costs, the meager size of the fleet, and the 155mm Advanced Gun System, which was the weapon system installed in these ships that only partially met its purpose. The exorbitant price of its special ammunition led to these ships not having a clear primary role; thus, they appeared more like a visionary idea than working assets.
On the other hand, the Zumwalts are destined to make a very dramatic comeback in the present era. The Navy has decided to convert them into the first seaborne vehicles that can fire hypersonic missiles, a step that may finally grant them the importance that they deserve. This is not merely an update but a big change in how the Navy portrays power projection, deterrence, and warfare at sea in the modern era.
But to make this happen, the Navy needs to remove the Advanced Gun Systems from the space amidships and install four gigantic launch tubes in their place. Capt. Clint Lawler, the Navy’s program manager, describes each of these tubes as being 87 inches in diameter with the possibility of carrying three canisters of the Advanced Payload Module, each of which contains three Intermediate-Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) hypersonic missiles.
Hence, one detached Zumwalt-class destroyer vessel could harbor as many as 12 weapons of this cutting-edge kind. The conversion to these launchers inevitably involves significant alterations to the internal structure, such as removing heavily armored gun mounts, installing additional structural supports, and integrating new fire control and combat systems that are capable of managing hypersonic strikes.
Compared with other missiles, these mark a significant advance in terms of technology. Collaboratively with the U.S. Army, the Navy has developed the CPS missile, which shares its boost-glide vehicle with the Army’s LRHW Dark Eagle.
To put it simply, the rocket takes the missile beyond Mach 5, and then the glide vehicle moves around in an unpredictable manner until it hits its target. Due to the fact that it is so fast and so agile at the same time, the missile is almost impossible to detect or stop, which makes it perfect to strike both very valuable and very time-sensitive targets in a location very far from friendly forces.
The technology of hypersonics shortens strategically the time from launch to target and increases the chances of surviving against advanced defensive systems. The situation is that enemies are simultaneously working on both hypersonic weapons and multi-layered defenses.
That is why the capability of delivering quick strikes from stealthy platforms, which are very difficult to stop, is so valuable. Additionally, the Zumwalt, with its incredibly small radar cross-section and sophisticated communication technologies, is very suitable to operate in heavily contested areas and to deliver decisive strikes before an opponent has had a chance to react.
The Navy’s timetable for flying Zumwalt hypersonic missiles has, however, had setbacks already, with delays in testing and integration, etc. Officials point out that well-organized test sites, along with fully-equipped resources, will still be needed across the three phases of CPS to bring about the missiles’ operational effectiveness in hostile environments. There are only three ships in this particular class, and all of them are outfitted with specialized systems; hence, maintenance and upgrades will be costly and complex. The attempts to standardize radar and combat systems are aimed at future simplified upkeep.
However, the Navy is not deterred by these obstacles. After the installation of the new hypersonic launchers, the USS Zumwalt has come back to the sea following a 14-month overhaul. On the other hand, the USS Lyndon B. Johnson is going to start service with the hypersonic capability right from the beginning, while the USS Michael Monsoor is going to be given the upgrades during a future refurbishment period. Budget reports suggest that there is a solid military commitment to arm all three ships with hypersonic weapons at least within the next decade.
Previously seen as a lesson in overambition, the Zumwalt-class destroyers are on their way to making history as they are likely to find their own way at last. These ships are now equipped with the most advanced technology designed explicitly for deep-strike missions and have redefined the role of surface combatants. Thus, they are not only going to be the building blocks of the most modern naval power but will also prove that even the most controversial vessels can still find their place in the fleet.
