DDG(X)

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The DDG(X) is the U.S. Navy’s plan for a new generation of large surface combatants to replace the older Ticonderoga cruisers and the first two groups of Arleigh Burke destroyers. It grew from the Large Surface Combatant program after the CG(X) canceled and the Zumwalt program was scaled back. The DDG(X) would be the Navy’s main large surface combatant, with more powerful sensors and plenty of room for future growth.

Key features (conceptual)
- Displacement and size: about 13,290 long tons (13,500 tons) and roughly 183 meters long.
- Propulsion: Integrated Power System turboelectric drive, designed for better efficiency and power margins.
- Sensors: larger variants of the AN/SPY-6 radar, plus advanced fire-control and surface-search systems.
- Armament: a main 127 mm/62 cal gun, 96 standard VLS cells (three blocks of 32) with the ability to swap some cells for larger launchers, two RAM launchers (42 cells total), and two Mk 32 torpedo tubes. Upgrade potential includes lasers (initially 150 kW to 600 kW).
- Aviation: flight deck with an enclosed hangar.
- Growth and flexibility: hull and systems are designed for future sensor upgrades, larger missiles, and new weapons, including the option to mount large-cell launchers for hypersonic missiles or other advanced weapons. Some renderings have shown a version without the 5-inch gun.

Performance goals
- The DDG(X) is intended to replace cruisers and later-generation destroyers as the Navy’s principal air-defense ships.
- It aims to have about 50% more range, 120% longer on-station time, and about 25% lower fuel burn compared with current destroyers.

Development timeline and notes
- The program office was established in 2021. Gibbs & Cox won a contract in 2022 to provide design and engineering support, with the Navy keeping the lead design role.
- Various hull concepts are being tested, drawing on lessons from the Arleigh Burke and Zumwalt designs.
- A 2022 symposium rendering showed an angular hull form with a Zumwalt-like superstructure and room for a future payload module.

Recent developments
- In December 2025, the Trump administration announced a proposed Trump-class battleship that would replace the DDG(X) plan. That concept remains a proposal without funding or congressional approval, while the DDG(X) program continues to progress.

Overall, DDG(X) is meant to be a more capable, growth-ready successor to today’s large surface combatants, combining advanced sensors, flexible weapons fit, and improved power and endurance to meet future air and missile defense needs.