# U.S. Navy Removes Advanced Gun System from Zumwalt Destroyers

The U.S. Navy has officially removed the Advanced Gun System (AGS) from its three Zumwalt-class destroyers due to the prohibitive cost and lack of procurement of compatible 155mm ammunition, which was priced at nearly $1 million per round compared to standard NATO 155mm shells costing approximately $3,000 each. This decision marks a significant shift in the operational and procurement strategy for these vessels, which will now be repurposed to carry Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles. This change impacts ongoing and future contracts related to ship outfitting, weapons systems integration, and ammunition procurement.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the Navy's pivot away from specialized, high-cost munitions toward more versatile missile systems, affecting contract scopes and vendor opportunities.
- The removal of AGS and integration of VLS cells signals increased demand for hypersonic missile technologies and associated launch systems.
- Prime contractors like General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and major defense firms such as Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems may see shifts in contract requirements and potential new solicitations.
- Organizations involved in naval weapons systems and ammunition supply chains should evaluate how this strategic realignment influences future procurement planning and technology development.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- U.S. Army
- NATO (NATO)

### Vendors
- General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (prime contractor)
- Raytheon ()
- Lockheed Martin ()
- BAE Systems ()

### Sources
- ['Big Mistake': The US Navy Built 3 Zumwalt-Class Destroyers Around a Gun That Fired a Shell Costing Close to $1,000,000. Standard NATO 155mm Artillery Ammunition Runs About $3,000 a Round. The Navy Never Bought a Single Shell and Has Now Cut the Guns Out of the Ships. - 19FortyFive](https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/09/big-mistake-the-us-navy-built-3-zumwalt-class-destroyers-around-a-gun-that-fired-a-shell-costing-close-to-1000000-standard-nato-155mm-artillery-ammunition-runs-about-3000-a-round-the-navy) - 19FortyFive