The U.S. Navy is repurposing the USS Zumwalt, its first shipborne hypersonic weapon, to enhance its combat capabilities. The ship is undergoing modifications at a Mississippi shipyard to install missile tubes, replacing the costly gun system that was never activated due to its high expense. Once completed, the Zumwalt will serve as a platform for conducting fast, precise strikes from extended distances, bolstering its effectiveness in warfare.
Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, present a significant challenge to traditional defense systems due to their high speed and maneuverability. Recent tests conducted by Russia and China have intensified the urgency for the U.S. military to expedite the production of hypersonic weapons.
The Zumwalt-class destroyers will be equipped with the 'Conventional Prompt Strike' program, which involves launching hypersonic glide vehicles to deliver rapid and accurate strikes on targets. Each destroyer will carry a total of 12 hypersonic weapons, enhancing the Navy's offensive capabilities.
Despite criticisms of the Zumwalt's high cost and past setbacks, the ship remains at the forefront of naval technology, featuring innovations such as electric propulsion, stealth design, and advanced automation systems. The integration of hypersonic weapons aims to maximize the ship's operational effectiveness.
The U.S. Navy is committed to testing the hypersonic weapon system aboard the Zumwalt by 2027 or 2028, following successful tests conducted over the summer. While the development and maintenance of these weapons come at a significant cost, proponents argue that the strategic advantage they provide in long-range precision strikes justifies the investment.
Hypersonic technologies are deemed essential for U.S. national security, offering unparalleled capabilities for deterrence and defense. The defense department emphasizes the importance of fielding new hypersonic capabilities to maintain a strategic edge and ensure enduring military superiority.
