The future destroyer ship is designed to extend the Navy's offensive capabilities. It will be smaller and more focused than the current combatant. A ship that can take on diesel submarines, small "swarming" boats and mines. It could also launch various mission modules, which could be quickly switched to another mission.
Based on the lessons from the Virginia submarine program, DDG(X). New power systems and advanced electromagnetic signature reduction systems will be part of the new destroyer. A new vessel will also have a stronger and more powerful long range radar. The vessel will also feature a hull section that can be lengthened to accommodate a larger payload. Ship-launched light anti-submarine missile torpedoes will be part of the new ship's arsenal. There are also facilities for uncrewed ship launch.
The DDG(X), which is an electric propulsion system, will have an integrated power systems. This allows the ship to use an extra battery to supply more power to its weapons systems. The system will also provide more flexibility for upgrades in the future. The vessel's sections will be designed to offer better seakeeping. The Navy will begin preliminary design work on the new destroyer ship prior to the close of the fiscal year. This is expected to be completed by September 30.
The DDG(X), expected to be built at a cost of between $3.5 billion-$4 billion. It will be half as large as the battle cruiser Kirov and have more weight-carrying and space. Aegis combat capabilities will be more advanced on the vessel. In December 2020, the Navy will approve its highest-level requirements for DDG(X).
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 have a wide range warfighting capabilities and are designed to operate in tropical environments. These destroyers also have a larger hangar that can hold manned helicopters and drones.
This new vessel will be able to launch hypersonic missiles. These missiles will be capable of destroying enemy ships at greater distances. The 2032 launch of the first vessel in this class is planned. The Navy hasn't yet decided how many ships would be included in the DDG (X) class. The Navy should be able to purchase three ships each year by 2031.
The DDG(X), which is a distributed operation unit, will be able also to operate in the Asia Pacific region. The DDG(X) will also be able conduct operations in Arctic. It is also expected to have an enhanced cooling capacity, a streamlined hull design, and a better power system.
Future destroyer ships will be capable of launching a variety of hypersonic missiles. It will also be capable of using lasers to eliminate enemy drones. This technology is expected be the dominant topic in future discussions about U.S. Navy directed energie weapons program.