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Zumwalt-Class Upgrade: Navy Adds Fuel Capacity for Pacific Hypersonic Patrols

16 days agoUS
Zumwalt-Class Upgrade: Navy Adds Fuel Capacity for Pacific Hypersonic PatrolsSource: navalnews.com
The U.S. Navy is enhancing the operational range and endurance of its Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyers by increasing their fuel capacity. This upgrade is part of a comprehensive refit to install hypersonic missiles, crucial for deterrence missions in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Insights

USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will undergo modifications to convert saltwater ballast tanks into additional fuel storage.

The upgrade will increase the amount of fuel the Zumwalt-class can take on during replenishment.

These modifications will enable the Navy's hypersonic strike platforms to loiter at sea for extended periods.

The Zumwalt class will be the Navy’s premier offensive surface combatant, equipped with Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapons.

In-Depth Analysis

The Zumwalt-class destroyers are being adapted to sling hypersonics at strategic targets, driven by the rise of China and its increasingly capable military. The modifications address the logistical challenges of operating in the vast Pacific, enhancing the fleet's operational capabilities in potential conflicts. The original mission of providing naval gunfire support was rendered obsolete by the proliferation of ground-based anti-ship missile systems. The Advanced Gun System turrets were removed to accommodate the CPS, with one mount housing a Large Missile Vertical Launching System and the other remaining empty for future capabilities.

FAQs

Q: What is the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system?

It is a joint U.S. Army and Navy program to develop hypersonic missiles capable of striking targets thousands of miles away on short notice.

Q: How far can the Navy's CPS missiles reach?

The Army’s Dark Eagle system, an adjacent system, has a reach of at least 2,175 miles, suggesting a similar range for the Navy's CPS.

Key Takeaways

The Zumwalt-class upgrade is a strategic move to enhance the U.S. Navy's presence and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

The increased fuel capacity and hypersonic missile integration will provide a significant offensive advantage.

These modifications reflect the evolving nature of naval warfare and the need to adapt to modern threats.

Discussion

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