Future destroyer ships will serve as an extension of Navy's offensive capabilities. They will be smaller and more focussed combatants. It can be used to take on small "swarming boats", mines, and diesel submarines. It can launch multiple mission modules and switch quickly to a new mission.
The DDG(X), based on lessons from the Virginia submarine program, will be developed. New power systems and advanced electromagnetic signature reduction systems will be part of the new destroyer. The new vessel will be equipped with a larger and more powerful long-range radio. The vessel will have a longer hull section to allow for a larger payload. The new ship's armament will include ship-launched lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, along with facilities for launching uncrewed ships.
The DDG(X) will include an integrated power system, which is an electrical propulsion system that enables the ship to use an additional battery to provide more power for its weapons systems. The system will offer greater flexibility for future upgrades. A vessel's hull section is also designed to improve seakeeping. The Navy plans to enter the preliminary design stage for the new destroyer ship before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
The DDG(X), expected to be built at a cost of between $3.5 billion-$4 billion. It will be half the size of the battle cruiser Kirov, and will have more space and weight-carrying capacity. It will also have a more advanced Aegis combat system. The Navy plans to have its DDG(X), the highest-ranking requirements approved in December 2020.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (Maine) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (Mississippi) will construct the ship. It will be a modified Arleigh Burke-class ship. These destroyers offer a wide range in warfighting capabilities. They are also designed to operate in tropics. These destroyers also have a larger hangar that can hold manned helicopters and drones.
The new vessel can also launch hypersonic rockets. These missiles will be able to destroy enemy ships at a much greater distance. The first vessel in this class is expected to enter service in 2032. The Navy does not know how many ships the DDG(X class will have. The Navy is expected to be able buy three ships per year by 2031.
The DDG(X) will also be able to carry out distributed operations throughout the Asia Pacific region. It will also be capable of operating in the Arctic. It will be equipped with a larger cooling system, a slimmer hull design, and an improved power system.
The future destroyer ship will also be able to launch a variety or hypersonic missiles. It will also have lasers that can be used to exterminate enemy drones. This technology is expected be the dominant topic in future discussions about U.S. Navy directed energie weapons program.