The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.35-billion contract modification to advance the production and integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapon system aboard the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000). This contract encompasses a wide range of activities, including program management, systems engineering, integration, procurement of long-lead materials, and testing. The Zumwalt-class destroyer has undergone significant structural modifications, replacing its Advanced Gun Systems with large missile tubes capable of housing Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) payloads. Each tube can carry multiple missiles, enabling long-range strike capabilities exceeding 2,700 kilometers. This transformation redefines the Zumwalt’s operational role from coastal missions to strategic deep-strike operations. The CPS program is expected to expand across additional naval platforms, including submarines, reinforcing the US Navy’s long-range precision strike capability in contested environments.
