USS Zumwalt: A Stealth Destroyer Transformed into a Hypersonic Missile Platform

The USS Zumwalt, the first of three futuristic stealth destroyers in the U.S. Navy's fleet, is poised to revolutionize naval warfare with the integration of hypersonic weapons. At a shipyard in Mississippi, the ship has undergone a significant retrofit, replacing its inactive gun systems with cutting-edge missile tubes. These upgrades are set to turn a once-criticized $7.5 billion vessel into a critical hypersonic platform, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for what was previously considered a costly misstep.

Hypersonic Weapons: A Leap in Modern Warfare

Hypersonic missiles are a game-changer in military technology. Traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5—five times the speed of sound—they combine speed with advanced maneuverability, making them nearly impossible to intercept. The U.S. Navy and Army are jointly developing the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, which will be housed aboard the Zumwalt. This innovative weapon system launches like a ballistic missile, releasing a hypersonic glide vehicle that can hit targets thousands of kilometers away at speeds up to Mach 8.

Each Zumwalt-class destroyer will carry 12 CPS missiles, stored in four missile tubes. The platform not only extends the Navy’s strike capabilities but ensures the U.S. maintains a technological edge in a global race where adversaries like Russia and China are advancing their hypersonic arsenals.

From Misstep to Milestone

The transformation of the Zumwalt highlights the Navy's ability to adapt. Originally designed for land-attack missions with its Advanced Gun System, the ship was meant to fire rocket-assisted projectiles to support Marine landings. However, the exorbitant cost of these projectiles—up to $1 million per round—led to the system's cancellation.

Despite its early challenges, the Zumwalt remains a marvel of naval engineering. Its angular design reduces radar visibility, giving it a stealthy profile, while its electric propulsion system, advanced sensors, and composite deckhouse represent leaps in warship technology. Retrofitting the ship with hypersonic capabilities preserves its relevance and underscores its role as a testbed for future innovations.

Strategic Necessity Amid Rising Global Pressure

The urgency for hypersonic deployment has been driven by advancements from rivals. Reports, including a leak involving China's DF-27 intermediate-range hypersonic missile, have underscored the need for the U.S. to close the gap. The Pentagon's investment in hypersonics—estimated at $18 billion over two decades for 300 missiles—reflects the strategic importance of maintaining deterrence through cutting-edge technology.

Critics have questioned the cost-effectiveness of hypersonic missiles, arguing that their expense often exceeds the value of the targets they destroy. However, proponents, including retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, argue that the ability to strike targets from thousands of kilometers away—beyond the range of most enemy defenses—is invaluable. In a conflict, this capability could be decisive, ensuring U.S. forces maintain operational superiority.

A Vision for the Future

The Zumwalt-class destroyers, despite their controversial origins, symbolize the U.S. Navy's commitment to innovation and adaptability. By equipping these advanced ships with hypersonic weapons, the Navy is not only addressing previous shortcomings but positioning itself for the future.

Testing of the Zumwalt’s hypersonic system is expected to begin by 2027 or 2028, marking a critical milestone in integrating this transformative technology into the fleet. As the Navy accelerates its efforts, the USS Zumwalt is set to become a cornerstone of a new era in naval warfare, where speed, precision, and innovation define military dominance.