US Navy Hypersonic Missile Installation on Zumwalt Destroyers Two Years Behind Schedule
The U.S. Navy's program to install hypersonic Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) missiles on three Zumwalt-class destroyers is two years behind schedule, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. Missile flight testing has been pushed from 2025 to 2027. The program faces rising costs, with estimates growing from $31 billion for 262 missiles to $41 billion for 224 missiles. Technical challenges include unreliable ship power systems, cabling issues, and production difficulties at Lockheed Martin, including heat-resistant coating problems and insufficient factory capacity (6-7 missiles per year vs. desired 12). The GAO also highlighted a lack of coordination between the Navy and Army on the joint program, with the Army independently studying production increases. The Zumwalt class was reduced from 32 ships to three due to cost and capability concerns.
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