The US Navy is set to commission its second Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, on 26 January.
The future USS Michael Monsoor’s vertical launche system (VLS) features larger cells, allowing this class to fire larger and more advanced land and anti-ship missiles in the future.
The Zumwalt-class has a larger flight deck that can accommodate two MH-60R helicopters and multiple UAS to perform a wide range of surface, air and undersea missions.
The fleet will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control and C2 missions.
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
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