Why US Cutting-Edge Super Expensive Destroyer Loses to Admiral Kuznetsov

After much fuss over the alleged engine problems of Russia's Admiral Kuznetsov's aircraft carrier, it is now the most expensive destroyer built in US Navy history, the much-publicized USS Zumwalt, which has been taken out of action due to engineering problems. Military expert Andrei Golovatyuk explained to Radio Sputnik what might have gone wrong.

Just weeks after its debut, the US Navy's most technologically advanced destroyer, the $4.4 billion USS Zumwalt, has been put out of action due to engineering problems that occurred while it was crossing the Panama Canal.

The issue apparently occurred on Monday while the Zumwalt was on the way to its new homeport of San Diego where it was to join the US Third Fleet, which is responsible for the Pacific Ocean.

Also on Monday, the US Third Fleet spokesman Commander Ryan Perry issued a statement saying that Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander of the Third Fleet, has directed USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) to remain at the ex-Naval Station Rodman in Panama to address engineering issues that occurred while transiting the Panama Canal.

The engine failure of the US Navy’s newest warship resulted in the vessel being towed to the Balboa Naval Station.

The western media was quick to pick up on the news, noting the irony: as the cutting-edge vessel is being towed, Russia's "much ridiculed" Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier "powers on."

Russian cartoon of USS Zumwalt breakdown in Panama Canal pic.twitter.com/mm27cUpGu2

— SeaWaves Magazine (@seawaves_mag) 23 ноября 2016 г.

​Meanwhile, Russian military expert, Retired Colonel Andrei Golovatyuk has explained to Radio Sputnik what might have gone wrong with the US warship.

"In its arms race, the US might have missed some very important details, including engineering. And now those are the mariners who experience all those flaws and shortcomings," he told Sputnik.

The expert noted that the vessel was supposed to have lots of innovations, including a completely new form of ship's head. The vessel is also thought to be equipped with a stealth system which makes it invisible to radars.

"There were supposed to be lots of innovations, however so far it is nothing but a pile of scrap metal which has not done anything yet," the expert said.

US Navy Cmdr. Ryan Perry meanwhile has said that "the timeline for repairs is being determined."

Earlier this week US Department of Defense speechwriter Eric Wertheim also told Sputnik that such setbacks are not unexpected given Zumwalt’s revolutionary design and cutting edge technologies

"This is the price you pay for innovation and it is unfortunate, but not unexpected," Wertheim, who is author of the US Naval Institutes Combat Fleets of the World, said.

"It is better to see a news story that says the US Navy's newest destroyer undergoing sea trials had engine failure rather than a story that says engines fail during combat," then he noted.