11 January 2021
Surface Navy 2021: USN works to equip Zumwalt destroyers with conventional prompt strike weapon
by Michael Fabey
Responding to a recent mandate by US lawmakers, the US Navy (USN) is working now to develop and integrate a conventional prompt strike system on the Zumwalt-class guided-missile (DDG 1000) destroyer, Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, director, USN Surface Warfare Division said on 8 January.
“This has been under discussion for a little while,” Rear Adm Schlise said during a media discussion in advance of the virtual Surface Navy Association 2021 National Symposium, which begins on 11 January.
The US Navy is working now to develop and integrate a conventional prompt strike system on the Zumwalt-class guided-missile (DDG 1000) destroyer. (US Navy)
“It’s in the law now,” he noted. “We are moving out on that on the studies of the hull form, and what’s going to be done to modify it to incorporate that capability down the road.”
Developing a conventional prompt strike (CPS) capability will augment USN firepower potential in part by getting the service to increase the potential size of the vertical launch system, he noted. “We think a larger diameter round like a CPS round is part of our future.”
Such a missile, he explained would “extend [USN] range substantially, [and] put a larger set of targets at risk”.
He added, “The CPS round is still very much a developmental round.” But the USN expects such a weapon could offer greater options for both maritime- and land-attack roles.
Zumwalt work will also help with the development of systems for other ships.
“We are working on the Large Surface Combatant,” he pointed out. “The requirements have now just been approved. A version of the larger diameter launcher and a round like the CPS will be part of that platform. What we learn from DDG 1000 integration will be applied going forward.”
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Responding to a recent mandate by US lawmakers, the US Navy (USN) is working now to develop and inte...
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