DDG 1000 Class Support Equipment

The DDG 1000 Class Support Equipment program is a critical line item in the Navy's Other Procurement budget, focused on equipping and sustaining the Zumwalt-class destroyers (DDG 1000, DDG 1001, and DDG 1002) with advanced combat, engineering, and support systems. The primary objective of this program is to ensure that the DDG 1000 class remains a versatile, survivable, and lethal surface combatant. These ships are intended to support future naval strategies and provide the Joint Force Commander with precision strike and volume fires. The program supports both procurement and modernization activities, with a strong emphasis on integrating new capabilities such as the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapons system, maintaining combat system readiness, and addressing obsolescence and cybersecurity challenges.

Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Integration is a top priority within this line item. The goal is to equip the Zumwalt-class ships with a naval hypersonic strike capability, enabling them to conduct independent, forward-deployed operations and prosecute deep-inland, time-critical targets in contested environments. The program funds the removal of the Advanced Gun System, ship modifications, and the procurement and installation of Advanced Payload Modules (APMs) that house the CPS weapons. CPS integration is scheduled during Build Yard Modernization Periods (BYMPs) for DDG 1000 and DDG 1001. DDG 1002 will receive integration during new construction. This approach maximizes efficiency and accelerates delivery of hypersonic capability to the fleet.

Combat System Modernization and Obsolescence Management is another major objective. The Total Ship Computing Environment (TSCE) and other combat system hardware are over a decade old and face significant obsolescence risks. The program funds technology refreshes, hardware replacements, and software updates to ensure system reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A). This includes addressing diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS), with a focus on life-of-type buys and redesigns to keep legacy systems operational until full modernization is achieved. These efforts are necessary to sustain ship readiness and meet the Expected Service Life (ESL) requirements.

Critical Cybersecurity Upgrades and Improvements are funded to address evolving cyber threats and compliance with Navy cybersecurity mandates. Key activities include upgrading the TSCE to Windows 10, implementing Linux Kernel Integrity Validation tools, and deploying Secure Data Distribution Services. These upgrades are designed to detect and counter malicious activity, including zero-day attacks, and to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of shipboard data. Funding also supports the procurement of associated hardware and software licenses, as well as updates to the Zumwalt Training Facility to maintain configuration alignment.

Support for Training, Testing, and Integration is provided through the procurement of lab and training equipment that mirrors the tactical configuration of the ships. This includes network and data center equipment for both the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) lab and the Zumwalt Training Facility, enabling integration, testing, troubleshooting, and crew training. The program also funds land-based test environments (LBTE) to reduce dependency on OEMs for lifecycle support and to enhance understanding of DDG 1000 control systems.

Additional Product Improvements and Capability Enhancements are addressed through targeted investments. These include the integration of the SM-6 missile capability, upgrades to the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL), and the addition of the SPECTRAL information warfare system to enhance signals exploitation and electromagnetic maneuver warfare. The program also supports the sustainment of radar-absorbing materials (RAM), development of technical data packages for the MK 57 canister electrical unit, and upgrades to the C4I network to ensure continued operational effectiveness and compliance with current standards.