The future is hypersonic strike for Zumwalt destroyers
USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) conducts a live-fire missile exercise at the Point Mugu Test Range. (Photo: USN)
The Zumwalt class will be the first US Navy ships to field hypersonic missiles.
The US Navy is evolving the Zumwalt-class (DDG-1000) destroyers into what it calls its first ‘offensive strike platform’.
The first step in developing the capability will be fielding the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon, which will make the class the first in the USN to field a hypersonic missile.
The service plans to field additional surface strike capabilities onto the destroyers, including the SM-6 and future weapons that can best use the Mk57 vertical launching system (VLS).
The Mk57 is wider and deeper than previous launchers, allowing the Zumwalt to more easily meet the USN’s requirement to deploy larger,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK watchdog reveals $22 billion hole in military equipment plan]()
UK watchdog reveals $22 billion hole in military equipment plan
The UK National Audit Office (NAO) has delivered a scathing evaluation of the MoD's Equipment Plan for 2023–33, revealing a nearly £17 billion 'blackhole' in the budget.
-
![I/ITSEC 2023: How wide is the gap between the US and China’s capabilities?]()
I/ITSEC 2023: How wide is the gap between the US and China’s capabilities?
While Washington sees Beijing as its most comprehensive and serious challenger, the Jinping administration has been taking the lead in R&D within certain domains.
-
![I/ITSEC 2023: FY 2024 budget should not be approved this year, claim US lawmakers]()
I/ITSEC 2023: FY 2024 budget should not be approved this year, claim US lawmakers
US congressmen also expect reductions in the Pentagon’s defence proposal for the next fiscal year.
