US at-sea hypersonic capability moves closer with contract award
The Zumwalt-class destroyers will be the first USN ships to be equipped with hypersonic missile launch capability. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
The contract award will see Lockheed Martin install the CPS hypersonic weapon on Zumwalt-class destroyers.
The USN has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth more than $2 billion (if all options are exercised) to integrate the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system onto Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers (DDGs).
CPS is a hypersonic boost-glide weapon system with high survivability against enemy defences.
'Lockheed Martin continues to advance hypersonic strike capability for the United States through this new contract,' said Steve Layne, vice president of hypersonic strike weapon systems at the company. 'Early design work is already under way.'
Related Articles
US Air Force launches prototype hypersonic missile from B-52 bomber
The future is hypersonic strike for Zumwalt destroyers
HAWC missile completes flight trials as focus turns to maturing hypersonic technology
As prime contractor Lockheed Martin will provide launcher systems, weapon controls, All Up Rounds (AURs) and platform integration support for the DDGs.
Major subcontractors include Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Mission Systems, and the programme is intended to field sea-based hypersonic strike capability to the navy by the mid-2020s.
The contract also covers additional AURs plus canisters for the US Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) testing, training and tactical employment.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
