The proposed alternative to truncating Zumwalt keeps the modern hull, reduced crewing, and space for upgrades. A standard five-inch gun would replace the forward advanced gun, with Mark 41 VLS in the second gun position alongside the existing launch cells. An air-warfare radar could broaden the ship's role while more ambitious weapons continued development separately. Restarting Arleigh Burke construction is criticised as a safe choice that required fresh spending on an older architecture. The Burke remains a good ship in this assessment, with repeatedly improved technology, but its underlying hull and layout come from a much earlier design.
Chapter · 2:12-5:18
A conventional weapons fit for the Zumwalt hull
A proposed Zumwalt follow-on would retain the newer hull and power plant while using established weapons and developing advanced systems later.