US Navy, USS Zumwalt class low radar signature destroyers began integrating a hypersonic missile system into the first one. This move, In the ongoing arms race with Russia and China It is seen as one of the steps to strengthen the US's position in hypersonic weapons technologies.
USS Zumwalt and Hypersonic Missile Integration
In Mississippi Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) During the works carried out at the shipyard, the USS Zumwalt cannon systems that cannot be put into service due to their high cost removed and replaced Vertical launch tubes suitable for hypersonic missile systems is being placed.
- Total Missile Capacity:
- Each Zumwalt-class ship, 12 hypersonic missiles will carry.
- In each vertical throw system 3 missiles will be found.
- Long Range and Precision Attacks:
- Post-integration ships, Fast and precise attacks from greater distances be able to realize.
Modernization of Zumwalt Class Destroyers
The US Navy has signed significant contracts for the modernization of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and other Zumwalt-class destroyers:
- August 2023:
- USS Zumwalt Conventional Rapid Attack (CPS) for weapon system integration $154.8 million agreement.
- January 2023:
- For the modernization of USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) $10.5 million tender.
- April 2024:
- Zumwalt-class destroyers Mk 57 with vertical launch systems to be equipped $74 million agreement.
Features of Class Destroyers
Low Radar Signature
Zumwalt-class destroyers, with designs that minimize radar visibility This feature makes it difficult for ships to be detected by enemy radars and asymmetric warfare advantage Provide.
Modular Structure and Advanced Systems
- Mk 57 Vertical Launch Systems:
- Advanced vertical pulse tubes optimized for hypersonic missile integration.
- Triple Configuration Modules:
- Large modules placed on the ship deck replace existing weapon systems.
The US Navy and Hypersonic Weapons
The U.S. Navy is investing heavily in these technologies in an effort to gain strategic advantage over its rivals Russia and China in the field of hypersonic weapons.
- Hypersonic Missiles:
- Traveling at speeds faster than Mach 5, these missiles can carry out both long-range and high-precision attacks.
- Advantage Against Enemy Defense Systems:
- Hypersonic weapons have the ability to bypass enemy air defense systems.
USS Zumwalt: Its Strategic Importance
1. Transformation on the Battlefield
Equipped with a hypersonic missile system, the USS Zumwalt strategic deterrence This modernization increases the ship's power, making it more than just a destroyer. a multi-role attack platform Transforming.
2. Regional Superiority
US Navy Zumwalt-class ships Balance of power in the Pacific sees these ships as an important tool for China's increasing military presence in the South China Sea can be a counter-balance.
3. Technological Pioneering
The integration of hypersonic missiles into the Zumwalt-class destroyers reinforces the US’s leadership in defense technologies. the navy's efforts to adapt to future warfare concepts is considered as a part of.
A New Step in the Hypersonic Arms Race
The integration of hypersonic missiles on the destroyer USS Zumwalt is a key part of the United States' quest for superiority in modern naval warfare.
- Longer Range: Equipped with hypersonic missiles, the Zumwalt will have a much wider area of effect than conventional destroyers.
- Advantage over competitors: The US's strategic deterrence will increase in the ongoing arms race with China and Russia.
- Investment Despite High Costs: Despite their high cost, the Zumwalt-class ships are a great example of modern warfare concepts. asymmetric superiority will continue to provide.
This step by the US Navy, It is an important example of how the role of hypersonic technologies on the battlefield will shape in the future.
