What global risk are involved with Stealth Destroyer to be deployed for 1st Hypersonic Weapon on a US Warship?

Introduction

The deployment of hypersonic weapons on U.S. stealth destroyers, particularly the USS Zumwalt, presents several global risks and strategic implication. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army.

Each of the Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship.

the three Zumwalt-class destroyers remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warship in terms of new technologies.

The U.S. weapon system will come at a steep price. It would cost nearly $18 billion to buy 300 of the weapons and maintain them over 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The hypersonic system provide the capability for Navy vessels to strike an enemy from a distance of thousands of kilometers — outside the range of most enemy weapons — and there is no effective defense against them, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, an independent forum focusing on national security issues, and former commander of an aircraft carrier strike force.

Escalation of Arms Race

The introduction of hypersonic weapons on U.S. warships is likely to intensify the ongoing arms race among major powers:

Russia and China have already developed and fielded early versions of hypersonic weapons. National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defense department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27.

This move by the U.S. may prompt other nations to accelerate their hypersonic weapons programs.

Increased Strategic Instability

Hypersonic weapons could potentially destabilize the current strategic balance:

Their speed and maneuverability make them extremely difficult to detect and intercept.

This capability might lower the threshold for military action, as nations may feel pressured to strike first in a crisis.

Challenges to Existing Defense Systems

Hypersonic weapons pose a significant threat to current defense capabilities:

They can bypass most traditional defense systems, making many existing countermeasures obsolete.

The short reaction time due to their speed complicates defensive responses.

Potential for Miscalculation

The deployment of hypersonic weapons introduces new risks of miscalculation in conflict situations:

Their high speed and unpredictable flight paths could lead to misinterpretation of intentions.

The compressed decision-making time could increase the risk of errors in crisis situations.

Economic Implications

The development and deployment of hypersonic weapons come with significant economic costs:

The Conventional Prompt Strike program for the Zumwalt-class destroyers is expensive, with each missile potentially costing more than a dozen tanks.

This massive investment might divert resources from other critical defense or non-defense sectors.

Proliferation Concerns

As hypersonic technology becomes more widespread, there are risks of proliferation:

The technology could potentially spread to non-state actors or less stable nations.

This proliferation could further complicate global security dynamics.

Impact on International Relations

The deployment of these weapons on U.S. warships may strain international relations:

It could be perceived as an aggressive move by potential adversaries.

This might lead to increased tensions and a potential new “Cold War” scenario.

Conclusion

The U.S. Navy views this development as a way to enhance its strategic capabilities, the global risks associated with hypersonic weapons deployment are significant and multifaceted, potentially altering the landscape of international security and strategic stability.