Navy mulling BMD test ship for experimental surface squadron

The Navy may add a ballistic missile defense test ship to its new experimental squadron for surface vessels, according to slides obtained by Inside Defense.

The February 2019 slides used to brief service brass indicate the vessel would join the squadron between fiscal year 2020 and FY-23, although the specific year is “to be determined.” An infographic depicting the vessels to be added in that time frame show a destroyer that represents the BMD test ship.

The Zumwalts do not possess BMD capabilities, but the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) destroyers do.

Vice Adm. Richard Brown, naval surface forces chief, spoke to reporters earlier this week about the service's Surface Development Squadron, and the Navy held a ceremony in San Diego to mark its establishment.

The assets the new squadron will receive over the next several years include the Zumwalt-class destroyers, multiple unmanned surface vessels currently in development and the first four Littoral Combat Ships.

Asked whether the squadron would experiment with ballistic missile defense capabilities, a Navy spokesman declined to specify the squadron's plans beyond what Brown previously discussed.