The U.S. Navy’s vision for maritime dominance is forging ahead with the development of the DDG(X), the next-generation guided-missile destroyer poised to be the cornerstone of future surface combatant fleets.

The Navy’s DDG(X) program is a calculated move to ensure the longevity and lethality of its naval power, particularly in the face of growing challenges posed by near-peer adversaries.

In recent disclosures, the U.S. Navy has outlined a clear mission for the DDG(X): it aims to avoid the pitfalls of past programs and ensure that this new class of warships will meet the high expectations set for it.

Learning from the procurement setbacks of the Zumwalt-class destroyers and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the Navy is meticulously advancing the DDG(X) design with extra caution, hoping to prevent another “huge hole in the water” for the Navy’s budget.

Spearheaded by Gibbs and Cox, with contract modifications worth over $76 million, the Navy’s DDG(X) program was initiated in 2021. The program seeks to replace the aging Ticonderoga-class cruisers and some of the older Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The anticipated first vessels were originally slated for service in the early 2030s, but design work delays could push this timeline further back.

A Congressional Research Services report from December shed light on the DDG(X)’s proposed capabilities, stating, “The Navy states that the baseline DDG(X) design is to include 96 standard Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, with an ability to incorporate 12 large missile launch cells in place of 32 of the 96 standard VLS cells.”

This feature, along with reduced vulnerability from infrared, acoustic, and underwater electromagnetic signatures, positions the DDG(X) as a next-level warship.

Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, the Navy’s director of surface warfare, underscored the warfighting imperatives of the DDG(X) during a panel at the Surface Navy Association’s annual conference. He highlighted that the ship will present opportunities to employ larger missile launchers, higher power lasers, and long-range strike hypersonic weapons.

“It’s going to bring us the opportunity to use more higher power lasers and long-range strike hypersonic weapons — as well as sensor growth — as we go into the future,” Pyle stated, cementing the DDG(X)’s role in the U.S. Navy’s modernization drive.

The U.S. Navy intends to integrate advanced technologies like the SPY-6 radar and directed energy weapons such as the HELIOS systems, currently in the hands of Lockheed Martin, onto the DDG(X). The ship’s design will cater to the evolving needs for more onboard energy and space to accommodate the power demands of these sophisticated radars and lasers.

In terms of armament, missiles are expected to grow in size, with the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) already being integrated onto Navy ships. The DDG(X) could also serve as a platform for the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon, which is being developed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and promises to be maneuverable.

However, the transition to the DDG(X) is not without its concerns. There are questions about its cost-effectiveness compared to a lengthened DDG-51 and whether the Navy’s budget can sustain the procurement of the desired numbers while funding other vital programs. The Navy is also under pressure to mature the DDG(X)’s technologies and mitigate risks to ensure a smooth transition from the Arleigh Burke-class to the DDG(X), without negatively impacting the shipbuilding industrial base.

Another consideration for the Navy is the planned overlap between the start of construction on the DDG(X) and the current crop of Flight III Arleigh Burkes. Pyle mentioned a three-year overlap is targeted “to make sure we do no harm to our shipbuilding industry.” The Navy is considering all options for the propulsion system of the new destroyer, with an inclination toward efficiency and reduced logistical dependency.

The global context is also pivotal in the development of the DDG(X), with rising naval capabilities from the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) and the need for the U.S. Navy to maintain an edge in naval technology. Allies such as Australia are upgrading their fleets with advanced missiles, and there is growing interest in the Indo-Pacific for powerful destroyers.

The U.S. Navy is not alone in its pursuit of naval excellence. With AUKUS—a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—there is potential for collaboration in the DDG(X) program. Such a partnership could benefit all involved, enhancing capabilities, sharing costs, and reinforcing strategic ties.

Ultimately, the DDG(X) represents the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to remain at the forefront of naval power. The pursuit of this ambitious destroyer signals a new era for naval warfare, promising advanced capabilities that aim to ensure maritime superiority in an increasingly complex and contested global theater.

Relevant articles:
– The Navy’s DDG(X) Destroyer Has One Clear Mission, The National Interest
– Navy Moves Out on DDG(X) Requirements, National Defense Magazine
– Year Overlap Between Arleigh Burkes and DDG(X), Considering Propulsion System, USNI News
– Updated DDGX report reveals plans for ‘reduced’ US large surface combatant fleet, defenceconnect.com.au