U.S. Navy Destroyer Receives New Launcher for Mysterious Weapons

A previously unseen multi-cell launcher has appeared on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carl M. Levin. The device was visible in a photograph taken on March 29, 2026. The image was shot from the deck of the amphibious ship USS Comstock and later released by the U.S. Marine Corps on April 8.

Where it sits on the ship

The launcher is mounted at the aft end of the Levin’s superstructure. It sits between the port-side torpedo tubes and the rear Mk 41 vertical launch system array. The unit appears to be multi-cell and fastened to a circular mount that would allow upward swivel for firing.

Discovery and public notice

A Japanese-language blog, OSINFO, first pointed out the launcher after the Marine Corps photo circulated. A social post by user おるか on April 8 amplified that find. The photograph carries credit to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Trent A. Henry.

Possible functions and contenders

The launcher’s role is not publicly confirmed. It could host counter-drone interceptors, shipboard munitions, loitering munitions, or decoys. Filmogaz.com has contacted the Navy seeking clarification.

Counter-drone candidates

• Zone 5 Technologies’ White Spike counter-UAS has a four-cell launcher that resembles the newly seen unit. White Spike has been tested under the Defense Innovation Unit’s Counter-NEXT effort since 2024.
• Anduril’s Roadrunner-M is another Counter-NEXT contender. Roadrunner-M is designed for vertical launch and recovery. Anduril announced additional funding for development on September 29, 2025.
• Raytheon’s Coyote interceptors were already fitted in a similar deck location on two Burkes. The USS Bainbridge and USS Winston S. Churchill received Coyote launchers last year.

Other weapon options

Lockheed Martin has proposed four-cell launchers for the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile. AGM-179 is derived from the AGM-114 Hellfire family. Lockheed has promoted JAGM for counter-drone use and for close-in defense against small boats.

Broader context and naval trends

The Navy has increased interest in shipboard counter-UAS systems after operations around the Red Sea. Recent tensions with Iran have also highlighted expanding unmanned threats. The service is exploring lower-cost interceptors and diverse launcher concepts for multiple ship classes.

The Arleigh Burke class will remain a central surface force for decades. Upgrading a small number of Burkes is a common path to wider modernization. This new launcher on the Levin is a fresh example of that incremental approach.

Outstanding questions

The launcher was not visible on the Levin as of December 2025. It is not yet clear whether the Navy plans broader installation across the class. Filmogaz.com awaits official comment to learn about the system’s exact purpose and planned deployments.