US Navy takes up project to arm Zumwalt with hypersonic strike; eyes next-generation vertical launch system

[F-22Raptor]

The Navy is advancing plans for integrating a long-range hypersonic strike weapon into the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer fleet and, as part of the effort, is also eyeing a next-generation vertical launch system -- able to accommodate larger missiles than the currently fielded Mk41 -- for its follow-on to the DDG-51, the Large Surface Combatant. Rear Adm. Paul Schlise, surface warfare division director in the office of the chief of naval operations, said the service is immediately complying with a provision...

https://insidedefense.com/daily-new...c-strike-eyes-next-generation-vertical-launch

 

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

Zumwalt is too few. China building 30 Type 055. US needs at least 30 Zumwalt to counter.