General
zulu
What does zulu mean?
The NATO phonetic code word for the letter 'Z'. It also designates the 'Z' time zone — Coordinated Universal Time (UTC/GMT) — used as a common reference across theatres.
""H-hour is zero-four-thirty Zulu, synchronize watches.""
Origin
Phonetic alphabet (1956); 'Zulu time' from the military time-zone designator Z for the zero meridian.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Zulu" mean in the military?
It's the phonetic code word for the letter Z, and it also names "Zulu time" — Coordinated Universal Time (UTC/GMT), the shared time reference used across different theatres.
Why is UTC called "Zulu time"?
Time zones are lettered, and the zero meridian's zone is designated Z. Spoken phonetically, Z is "Zulu," so UTC became "Zulu time."
How do you write Zulu time?
Times are given in 24-hour format followed by a Z, spoken as "Zulu" — for example "0430Z" is "zero-four-thirty Zulu."
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