Congress has increased the U.S. Navy’s budget for the DDG(X) next-generation destroyer program to $153.5 million, according to a Congressional Research Service report published on September 12, 2025. The increase includes $20 million specifically for ship concept advanced design, adding to the Navy’s original FY2026 request of $133.5 million. Lawmakers emphasized funding for propulsion risk reduction and early-stage design maturity to minimize cost and schedule risks before procurement begins in FY2032.
DDG(X) was initiated after the cancellation of the CG(X) cruiser and the downsizing of the Zumwalt-class program. Approved in December 2020, top-level requirements call for an integrated power system, expanded growth margins in space, weight, and cooling, improved endurance, reduced signatures, and the ability to accommodate future weapons such as hypersonic missiles and directed-energy systems.
Current concepts indicate a displacement of about 14,500 tons and a length of roughly 180 meters, with a baseline of 96 Mk 41 VLS cells and options for larger missile launch cells. The design also features two 21-cell RAM launchers and may include a Destroyer Payload Module for additional volume and payload capacity.
Cost estimates vary: the Navy projects $3.3 billion per ship (FY2024 dollars), while the Congressional Budget Office places the figure closer to $4.4 billion, roughly one-third higher. The GAO has cautioned that requirement changes in 2024—particularly higher speed and power needs—could affect cost and schedule projections, reinforcing the need for robust land-based testing.
The Navy is already testing its integrated power system at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia, where Fairbanks Morse Defense’s FM 175D diesel generators are being evaluated for energy output, reliability, and efficiency.
Procurement of DDG(X) is planned to start in FY2032 at a rate of one to two ships per year. Congressional committees have made clear that design studies, propulsion system validation, and consistent reporting will remain priorities to keep the program on budget and on schedule.
