The United States Navy has awarded the contracts for the construction of the dual lead ships of the planned Zumwalt class (DDG 1000): a $1.4 billion cost-plus contract for the construction of DDG 1000 to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, and a $1.4 billion cost-plus contract for the construction of DDG 1001 to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

DDG 1000 and DDG 1001 are to be the lead ships of a class of next-generation multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance. The dual lead ship strategy not only cuts cost but also encourages collaboration. The Navy and industry are using a thorough design-for-producibility process to decrease cost on the Zumwalt class without reducing key performance parameters.

DDG 1000 has been in design, development and demonstration for nearly six years. The ship will triple naval surface fires coverage as well as triple capability against anti-ship cruise missiles. With a 50-fold radar cross section reduction compared to current destroyers, DDG 1000 improves strike group defense 10-fold and has 10 times the operating area in shallow water regions against mines.

Said Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead, “When you look at DDG 1000, the technology is extraordinary. It is unique in that we have never tried to bring online so many new technologies, but the steps that have been taken and the investments that have been made have reduced the risk that is normally associated with new technology. The Zumwalt class of ships is really quite impressive.”