The U.S. Navy continues operational testing of the Zumwalt-class destroyer, evaluating its capabilities in offensive surface strike missions and anti-air warfare.
In fiscal year 2024, the Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) conducted four live-fire missile exercises and modeling and simulation (M&S) testbed runs to assess the ship’s ability to counter anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and aircraft. However, key survivability assessments remain incomplete, and Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) have yet to be funded or scheduled.
Originally designed for land-attack operations, the Zumwalt-class destroyer’s mission was redefined in 2019 to focus on open-ocean surface strike. In June 2021, the Navy further revised its operational requirements to integrate Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) capabilities. Each ship in the class is set to receive CPS modules between FY24 and FY28, enhancing long-range strike capabilities.
The program, initially planned for more ships, was reduced to three: USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), commissioned in 2016; USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), commissioned in 2019; and USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), expected for delivery in FY27 after its CPS installation.
DOT&E (Director, Operational Test and Evaluation) observed the operational testing conducted in FY24. While live-fire exercises in December 2023 demonstrated the Zumwalt-class’s ability to counter ASCM threats in simulated conditions, further evaluation is required to determine its full operational effectiveness.
A Probability of Raid Annihilation (PRA) M&S testbed is being used to expand assessments of the destroyer’s ability to defend against missile and aircraft threats. The validation of this testbed is expected in FY25. The Navy also plans to conduct a Tomahawk missile launch test in FY25 to further assess the Zumwalt’s offensive strike capabilities. Testing of its CPS employment is scheduled for FY27.
Cyber survivability assessments were completed between November 2022 and March 2023, evaluating internet protocol (IP) networks and industrial control systems onboard the ship. DOT&E determined these assessments were adequate but will continue monitoring future updates.
Despite ongoing assessments, the Navy has yet to update ship survivability M&S to reflect the as-built Zumwalt-class or the upcoming CPS installation. The FSST, critical for evaluating the ship’s resistance to underwater threats, remains unfunded and unscheduled. Without these assessments, the full survivability of the Zumwalt-class remains undetermined.
A Final Survivability Assessment Report is expected in FY25, but it will rely on data from earlier ship design rather than the updated configuration. DOT&E will not be able to provide a complete survivability assessment until FSST is conducted and M&S is updated.
The Zumwalt-class Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) began in October 2021 but has faced delays. Completion is now expected in FY25, pending primary mission testing. Follow-on Testing and Evaluation (FOT&E) will take place through FY27, incorporating CPS capabilities and further system refinements.
While the Zumwalt-class program continues to evolve, questions remain regarding its long-term combat effectiveness and survivability in high-threat environments. Until further testing is completed, the full operational potential of these advanced destroyers remains unproven.