Navy Turns Costly Flub into Hypersonic Weapon Platform

Navy Turns Costly Flub into Hypersonic Weapon Platform \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The USS Zumwalt, once deemed a costly misstep, is being repurposed by the U.S. Navy as the first shipborne hypersonic weapon platform. The $7.5 billion destroyer, with advanced stealth technology, will soon house hypersonic missiles capable of precision strikes from thousands of kilometers away. Despite high costs, hypersonic systems are essential for maintaining U.S. military superiority amid growing threats from Russia and China.

Zumwalt and Hypersonic Missiles: Quick Looks

• Retrofitting Begins: The USS Zumwalt is being outfitted with advanced hypersonic weapons.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Hypersonic missiles travel at Mach 5+ and evade interception.
• Global Arms Race: U.S. developments aim to counter Russia and China’s advancements.
• Costly but Critical: Critics highlight expenses, but proponents emphasize strategic necessity.
• Future Deployment: Hypersonic testing on the Zumwalt is planned for 2027–2028.

Deep Look

A Second Chance for the USS Zumwalt

The USS Zumwalt, a stealthy, advanced destroyer once criticized as an overpriced and underutilized project, is being transformed into a groundbreaking weapon of modern warfare. The U.S. Navy is retrofitting the warship with hypersonic missiles, providing it with the capability to strike targets at extreme distances with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Docked at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the Zumwalt is undergoing significant modifications. Workers have replaced the vessel’s twin 155 mm gun turrets—an expensive and ultimately abandoned system—with missile tubes capable of housing hypersonic weaponry.

This marks a pivotal shift for the $7.5 billion ship, which was originally designed for land-attack operations but never realized its intended potential.

Hypersonic Weapons: The New Standard in Modern Warfare

Hypersonic missiles represent a leap forward in military technology. Traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), these weapons are not only incredibly fast but also highly maneuverable, making them almost impossible to intercept.

The Zumwalt will be equipped with the Navy’s “Conventional Prompt Strike” (CPS) system. These missiles are designed to launch like ballistic rockets before deploying a hypersonic glide vehicle capable of reaching its target at speeds of Mach 7 to Mach 8. Each Zumwalt-class destroyer will house four missile tubes, each containing three missiles, for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship.

“This development turns a costly blunder into a platform for cutting-edge warfare,” said Bryan Clark, a defense analyst with the Hudson Institute.

Global Competition Spurs U.S. Efforts

The urgency to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons stems from advancements made by global competitors, particularly Russia and China. Both nations have successfully tested hypersonic systems, raising concerns about the U.S. military’s ability to counter these emerging threats.

In 2023, leaked Pentagon documents confirmed that China tested the DF-27, an intermediate-range hypersonic missile capable of evading detection and interception. Russia has also demonstrated its hypersonic prowess with systems designed to bypass Western defense networks.

These developments have accelerated U.S. efforts to produce hypersonic technology. Over the summer, the U.S. successfully tested a hypersonic weapon, a critical milestone in the race to match the capabilities of its adversaries.

Revitalizing the Zumwalt’s Legacy

The USS Zumwalt was originally envisioned as a cutting-edge destroyer capable of providing land-attack support. However, its advanced gun system, which relied on rocket-assisted projectiles, was canceled due to the exorbitant cost of each shell—ranging between $800,000 and $1 million. This decision left the Zumwalt-class destroyers without their primary weapon system, tarnishing their reputation.

Despite these setbacks, the Zumwalt remains the Navy’s most advanced surface warship, boasting innovations such as:

• Stealth Design: Its angular shape minimizes radar detection.
• Electric Propulsion: A groundbreaking system that enhances efficiency.
• Wave-Piercing Hull: Designed for smoother navigation in rough waters.
• Composite Deckhouse: Houses sensors and radar while reducing radar signature.
• Automated Systems: Streamlines operations and damage control.

These features make the Zumwalt an ideal candidate for testing and deploying new hypersonic technologies, ensuring its continued relevance in modern naval warfare.

Costs and Criticism

Hypersonic weapons come with a hefty price tag. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that procuring and maintaining 300 hypersonic missiles over 20 years will cost nearly $18 billion. Critics argue that the high costs may not justify the benefits.

“This missile costs more than a dozen tanks,” said Loren Thompson, a military analyst in Washington, D.C. “Is it really worth the money? Most of the time, the missile costs much more than any target you can destroy with it.”

However, proponents counter that hypersonic weapons are a strategic necessity. Retired Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, emphasized their value in modern warfare.

“Conventional missiles that cost less aren’t much of a bargain if they can’t reach their targets,” Spicer said. “These hypersonics allow us to strike from distances far beyond the reach of most enemy weapons.”

A Strategic Imperative

The development of hypersonic weapons is considered essential to maintaining U.S. military superiority. James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, stressed their importance.

“Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defense department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence,” Weber said.

The Navy plans to begin testing hypersonic systems on the Zumwalt in 2027 or 2028. If successful, the destroyer will represent a significant step forward in the U.S. military’s ability to deter and respond to emerging threats.

High Stakes in the Hypersonic Race

The retrofitting of the USS Zumwalt underscores the U.S. commitment to staying ahead in the hypersonic arms race. While the cost is high, the strategic value of these weapons in deterring adversaries and maintaining global security is undeniable.

As the Zumwalt prepares to rejoin the fleet, it symbolizes a turning point for U.S. naval innovation, transforming from a costly misstep into a critical asset for future warfare.

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