The US Navy’s lead Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), has successfully completed builder’s sea trials following a major modernisation programme that will see the ship become the U.S. Navy’s first operational platform for hypersonic weapons.
The trials were conducted off the coast of Mississippi by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, marking a key milestone in the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system. The ship entered the Pascagoula shipyard in August 2023 for an extensive availability focused on converting the class from its original surface-fire support role into a long-range strike platform. During the modernisation, the destroyer was moved ashore to enable large-scale structural and systems work.
As part of the upgrade, the ship’s two 155mm Advanced Gun Systems were removed and replaced with large missile tubes designed to accommodate the CPS hypersonic weapon. The system is intended to provide the US Navy with the ability to strike high-value targets at long range at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Following completion of the main installation work, USS Zumwalt was undocked in December 2024 and underwent further preparations ahead of sea trials to validate propulsion, combat systems and platform performance after the conversion.
Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, said the milestone set an important precedent for the rest of the class.
“We have achieved a pivotal milestone with our Navy and industry partners to advance this complex modernisation work that will set a precedent for the Zumwalt class,” he said. “I’m very proud of the team effort and their critical role to advance the U.S. Navy’s first warship with hypersonic capabilities.”
The Zumwalt-class destroyers feature an integrated electric propulsion system, stealth-optimised tumblehome hull and extensive automation, enabling a significantly reduced crew compared with earlier US surface combatants.
Two sister ships are also progressing toward hypersonic capability. USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002) is currently undergoing CPS integration at Ingalls, while USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) is scheduled to receive the system during a future maintenance availability. Once operational, the class is expected to provide the US Navy with a survivable, long-range strike option capable of contributing to deterrence, power projection and sea control missions, while serving as a testbed for emerging technologies and future weapons systems.
A the Zumwalt class, the gimmick that keeps on giving.
No matter what the latest buzz word or half assed concept in naval warfare is you can bet the Zumwalt will be “fitted” with it to justify the epic cost of such a failed program.
Now the $5 billion dollar destroyer will be loaded up with $100 million missiles and it can cruise around the battle field being immune to any enemy counter measures except submarines and mines. It often amazes me how the USN can have such a well developed submarine force and yet its surface force seems completely oblivious to anti submarine warfare.