USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) Class Destroyers Undergoing Upgrades to Integrate Hypersonic Missile System
The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) Guided-missile destroyer (Photo: Peakpx)
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) to Receive Cutting-Edge Hypersonic Missile System During Modernization
According to Naval News, recently, the highly regarded guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) arrived at its new home port in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where it is now under the oversight of the prominent American shipbuilding company, HII. HII is diligently engaged in the task of outfitting this exceptional naval vessel with a cutting-edge hypersonic missile system.
The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) had temporarily returned to San Diego due to undisclosed maintenance issues but has since completed its journey to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where it is presently undergoing an intensive phase of modernization. This modernization effort encompasses the integration of the Navy’s state-of-the-art Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile system.
Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesperson for the Naval Surface Force, affirmed in a statement to Navy Times earlier this month that these forthcoming upgrades will undoubtedly solidify the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000)’s status as one of the most technologically advanced and formidable assets in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal.
READ ALSO: Israel And US Military Joint Exercise Amid Mounting Tensions Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) Advances Toward Hypersonic Armament Deployment as Navy Awards $154.8M Modernization Contract
According to a Bulgarian Military article, with a determined target set for 2025, there is a concerted effort to deploy hypersonic weaponry on the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000). In a February announcement, Lockheed Martin unveiled its active preparations for a ship-based hypersonic missile launcher, scheduled for flight trials in 2024. Lockheed is leading the development of this launcher, along with the weapon control system and other crucial missile components. Simultaneously, the Army, in collaboration with the Navy, has been actively involved in the missile’s development. The expectation is that the weapon system will be fully operational and ready for deployment by the end of this year.
In a recent development, the US Navy has awarded a substantial contract modification of $154.8 million to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). This allocation, disclosed on a Tuesday, is designated for a significant upgrade to the highly advanced USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000). It’s noteworthy that this substantial contract follows a previous award of $10.5 million in January, which was directed towards the planning phase of the modernization efforts, encompassing not only the USS Zumwalt but also the guided-missile destroyer, Michael Monsoor.
Concluding its three-month mission in the Western Pacific the previous autumn, the USS Zumwalt effectively showcased its capabilities through a series of collaborative operations. This marked the vessel’s inaugural operational engagement. As per the planned timeline, the first full-scale deployment of the USS Zumwalt is anticipated to take place in the later months of 2026 or early 2027. This pivotal operation will be supervised by the U.S. 7th Fleet and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, underscoring their leadership in this strategically significant maneuver.
READ ALSO: War With China Ignites As The United States Intensifies Disputes
