USN confirms CPS modernisation plan for final DDG 1000 destroyer

Destroyer Lyndon B Johnson's delivery is being delayed to prepare the ship for Conventional Prompt Strike missions. (US Navy)

The US Navy's (USN's) fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget proposal has confirmed plans to delay the delivery of its third and final DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer – USS Lyndon B Johnson (DDG 1002) – so that the ship can receive the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Ingalls Division in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on completion of its current shipyard Combat System Availability (CSA).

This segue will make DDG 1002 the second ship of the class to receive the CPS modernisation, which introduces a conventional boost-glide hypersonic strike capability. Johnson is expected to be delivered to the navy in FY 2027, instead of FY 2024 as earlier planned.

Integrating the CPS into the DDG 1000 design will see the ships' two MK 51 155 mm Advanced Gun Systems removed, and a new Large Missile Vertical Launch System (LMVLS) installed in the forward part of the hull. The LMVLS will feature a CPS cold launch system common to that in the future Virginia Payload Module (VPM).

Lead ship USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) is the first Zumwalt-class destroyer to go through the CPS modernisation. It is planned to receive the CPS weapon system during a Build Yard Modernization Period (BYMP) beginning later in 2023 at the HII Ingalls Division yard in Pascagoula. A first CPS live-fire test is planned before the end of FY 2025.

USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) is due to begin its modernisation period at Pascagoula in FY 2026, with completion due in FY 2028.