US Navy Zumwalt Destroyers Surge Toward Hypersonic Attack Ability

by Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

Key Points and Summary: The U.S. Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon, integrating a Common Glide Body, is set to arm Zumwalt-class destroyers in the near term and submarines by 2029.

-The hypersonic missile’s incredible speed—over six times the speed of sound—allows it to overwhelm enemy defenses, targeting ground formations, air defenses, infrastructure, or ships.

-Despite testing delays, the Pentagon recently reported successful trials, with future upgrades enabling mid-flight course adjustments and engagement of moving targets.

-With China deploying hypersonic YJ-21 missiles and threatening U.S. access near Taiwan, CPS development is critical to maintaining naval power projection and addressing growing hypersonic threats.

Zumwalt-Class Destroyers to Launch Hypersonic Missiles: What to Expect

The US Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon has been under development for several years now, and the service plans to arm its fleet of Zumwalt-class destroyers with the weapon within the next few years and launch hypersonic projectiles from undersea submarines by 2029.

The weapon consists of a two-stage solid rocket motor booster designed to pinpoint enemy ground formations, track and destroy enemy air defenses, and even strike fixed infrastructure or ships at sea. 

The advantages are clear, as hypersonic weapons bring paradigm-changing speed levels to any kind of missile attack, as they are intended to target, strike, and destroy an enemy target faster than an enemy can respond.