The Zumwalt class was not intended to replace Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates as submarine hunters. It was designed for land attack in littoral operations, while retaining some air-defense and other capabilities. Replacing one generation of surface combatants with another does not mean the ships have the same role. Hull-count comparisons must account for force-structure intent.
Notable Point · 53:28-55:03
Zumwalt was not designed as a Perry replacement
Zumwalt was conceived for littoral land attack rather than as an anti-submarine replacement for Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.