The U.S. Navy is progressing with major upgrades to USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), positioning the destroyer to become the first American surface ship prepared to deploy hypersonic weapon systems. The vessel is undergoing extensive modernization that includes the installation of Advanced Payload Modules designed to support the Conventional Prompt Strike capability. As part of the refit, the ship’s original gun systems were removed to accommodate new launch infrastructure, signaling a strategic shift to

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) or the U.S. Navy’s advanced stealth guided-missile destroyer is preparing to put to sea in 2026 following an extensive modernisation programme that reconfigures the ship for future integration with Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missiles. The work replaces the vessel’s previous 155 mm gun systems with larger launcher tubes designed to accommodate next-generation strike weapons at sea. Recent builder’s sea trials have validated portions of the upgrade, repr