Is the US Navy’s new DDG(X) destroyer facing cancellation?
An early artist's impression of what the USN's next-generation large surface combatant DDG(X) might look like. Much bigger than existing destroyers it will have the size, weight and power capacity to host future weapons, a larger munitions inventory and a longer endurance at sea. (Image: USN)
The projected costs for the DDG(X) destroyer project are spiralling, its technologies need to be matured and the USN has more pressing priorities. If the programme begins to repeat some of the mistakes made on previous major surface combatant procurements then DDG(X) is likely to face the axe.
The USN’s next-generation Large Surface Combatant programme, known as DDG(X), is intended to replace the fleet’s ageing Ticonderoga-class (CG-47) cruisers and – eventually – all its Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) destroyers.
However, the outlook for the project remains grim. While is still in its early stages there are diverging cost estimates on the programme differing by up to $1 billion per ship. Meanwhile the navy is preoccupied dealing with an availability crisis with its submarine fleet and problems with its industrial base. A costly major surface combatant programme looming on the horizon is not what the USN needs on its
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?]()
Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?
-
![Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule]()
Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule
The SPY-7 radar will undergo testing and calibration down to its component level before it is handed over to the Spanish Navy.
-
![India commissions three new vessels]()
India commissions three new vessels
The new vessels, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, will be deployed to protect vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
