The U.S. Navy is repurposing a significant misstep into a groundbreaking military asset by equipping the USS Zumwalt with the nation’s first shipborne hypersonic weapons. The warship, currently at a shipyard in Mississippi, has undergone modifications to replace its inactive gun turrets with missile tubes designed to house cutting-edge weaponry.
Once fully operational, the Zumwalt will serve as a platform for executing rapid, long-range precision strikes, transforming the vessel into a pivotal component of modern naval warfare. The ship’s retrofitting marks a bid to maximize the utility of a vessel long criticized as a costly failure.
From Expensive Blunder to Strategic Asset
Originally, the USS Zumwalt was designed for land-attack missions, armed with an Advanced Gun System firing rocket-assisted projectiles. However, the exorbitant cost of each projectile—ranging from $800,000 to $1 million—led to the system’s cancellation. Despite this setback, the Zumwalt remains a technological marvel, featuring electric propulsion, a stealthy angular design, a wave-piercing hull, and advanced automation systems.
“The Navy has an opportunity to salvage value from what was initially a costly error,” said Bryan Clark, a defense expert with the Hudson Institute. Retrofitting the ship with hypersonic weapons could redefine its role in the fleet.
Hypersonic Arms Race
Hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are prized for their ability to evade most defensive systems. These highly maneuverable missiles have become a critical focus for global powers, especially following advancements demonstrated by Russia and China. A Pentagon briefing leaked last year revealed China’s successful test of the DF-27, an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon capable of traveling thousands of kilometers.
In response, the U.S. has accelerated the development of its own hypersonic systems. One key initiative, the Conventional Prompt Strike program, is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. These missiles launch like ballistic weapons but deploy glide vehicles that travel at speeds seven to eight times the speed of sound. Each Zumwalt-class destroyer will eventually be equipped with four missile tubes, each holding three hypersonic missiles for a total of 12 weapons per ship.
Testing and Deployment Timeline
The Zumwalt arrived at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in August 2023. After months of work, including the installation of the new missile tubes, the ship is set to return to the fleet following its next round of tests. The Navy anticipates beginning hypersonic weapon trials aboard the Zumwalt in 2027 or 2028.
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While these advancements come at a high cost—an estimated $18 billion for 300 hypersonic missiles over 20 years—military leaders argue the investment is essential. Critics, however, question the value.
“This missile costs more than a dozen tanks and only delivers a precise non-nuclear strike. Often, the cost of the missile far outweighs the value of the target,” said Loren Thompson, a military analyst.
A Strategic Imperative
Proponents argue that hypersonic missiles provide unparalleled capabilities, allowing U.S. ships to strike targets from thousands of kilometers away while remaining out of enemy reach. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer emphasized their importance: “Conventional missiles are useless if they can’t reach their targets. Hypersonic weapons ensure we stay ahead.”
Defense officials maintain that developing hypersonics is non-negotiable. “Adversaries already possess these weapons,” said James Weber, director for hypersonics in the Department of Defense. “To sustain deterrence and maintain our advantage, fielding hypersonic technology is a top priority.”
Despite its rocky beginnings, the USS Zumwalt may soon play a central role in maintaining U.S. military dominance.