USN continues hypersonic developments
SPA works with SAIC on supporting Conventional Prompt Strike programme
Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) on 23 November announced a subcontract from SAIC to continue supporting the Conventional Prompt Strike advanced hypersonic programme for the USN at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Crane, Indiana.
SPA is teamed with prime contractor SAIC on a five-year contract worth $63.5 million, as part of a relationship on hypersonic development dating back to 2016.
Work under the latest contract includes programme management and budget support, system safety, risk management, scheduling, system and subsystem test and evaluation, ‘and system integration of the weapon system onto operational platforms’, SPA noted.
The Conventional Prompt Strike programme aims to field a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle on USN submarines. An intermediate-range missile is initially envisaged by the USN for an Ohio-class SSGN. The USN also plans to arm new Virginia-class boats with this hypersonic strike weapon, beginning in 2028.
Furthermore, USN Vice Adm Richard Brown said in January 2020 that Zumwalt-class destroyers should be armed with hypersonic weapons.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
