Seeking to advance in obtaining hypersonic strike capabilities, the U.S. Navy has announced plans to conduct tests of its new missile launch system in 2027, which will be installed on the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) destroyer. The system, known in the field as Conventional Prompt Strike, is still undergoing evaluation through land-based tests, with plans for its integration into a Navy destroyer delayed by one fiscal year.
In this context, it is worth noting that the USS Zumwalt is currently at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding shipyard in Pascagoula, where it is undergoing extensive modifications to accommodate the hypersonic missile launch system. In this regard, the destroyer will have its underperforming 155 mm Advanced Gun System removed, replacing it with four large-diameter tubes to house the missiles. According to Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, Director of Navy Strategic Systems Programs, who spoke at the annual Submarine Naval League Symposium, these modifications have already been completed, and the ship is expected to leave the shipyard next year.
Delving into details about the new Conventional Prompt Strike, the U.S. Navy has stated that it features a modular design with an independent payload adapter currently under evaluation alongside the launcher. As Vice Admiral Wolfe explained: “We are testing and building the modular payload adapter, in addition to what is happening on the ship itself (…) We continue to advance all those missile tests because the missile has to be what we call an air launch, given its size. It’s not like any other type of missile.”
On another note, it is important to mention that while Wolfe’s office oversees the related efforts, the work involves a broad array of companies handling different parts of the process. This group includes Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor for missile construction and assembly; Northrop Grumman, subcontracted for the missile’s propulsion system and payload module; and Dynetics, responsible for manufacturing the hypersonic glide body. Funding for this network of companies comes from the DDG-1000 Program Office.
Finally, it is worth recalling that the U.S. Navy plans to integrate the Conventional Prompt Strike system into its Virginia-class submarines once deliveries of the so-called Block V are completed. According to the specialized outlet USNI News, based on various statements from U.S. naval officials, this should be feasible by 2028, depending on the efforts of the Program Executive Office for Attack Submarines, led by Rear Admiral Jon Rucker. Quoting Vice Admiral Wolfe once again: “The Conventional Prompt Strike will be ready (…) The question will be when the first Virginia-class with the Virginia Payload Module will be ready, based on what Admiral Rucker and his team are doing to move that system forward.”
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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