So, the Navy is looking at a ‘future surface combatant’ (FSC) to replace the DDG-1000 Zumwalt.

It appears to be an improved version of the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke, with possibly a hull stretch and a new engineering plant, and definitely a new radar, the the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), which was originally intended to be first fielded on the nuclear powered CG(X) cruiser, which now looks to be pushed back a couple of years.

The idea that they are doing this to the DDG-51 implies that part of the problem with the Zumwalts was insufficient robustness to battle damage.

What is shows however, is that the Navy really does not have a coherent path forward.