Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
USS Zumwalt will undergo conversion starting mid-2026. (Photo: USN)
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
The US Navy (USN) is changing the primary mission of its DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer, by placing a Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile capability on one of its ships for the first time. It is a significant shift for the destroyer which was originally conceived as being a land attack vessel only.
This capability is scheduled to be demonstrated on the lead ship in 2027, according to a recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), with modernisation for the capability to be started in mid-2026.
The CPS is a conventional, boost-glide hypersonic weapon system, and the testing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard set to accelerate schedule of shipbuilding programmes]()
US Coast Guard set to accelerate schedule of shipbuilding programmes
With the funds provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Coast Guard will attempt to speed up the production of the Waterways Commerce and Fast Response cutters.
-
![Indonesian Navy looks for variety and industrial partnerships to add capability]()
Indonesian Navy looks for variety and industrial partnerships to add capability
Indonesia is looking to introduce a variety of vessels to meet particular requirements both operational and geographic and is building ties with Turkey as part of the effort.
