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Zumwalt Lead Ship 94 Percent Complete on Hypersonic Upgrades; Program Two Years Behind Schedule
The Government Accountability Office reported that the Navy is 24 months behind schedule installing Conventional Prompt Strike missiles on three Zumwalt-class destroyers. Flight testing has shifted from 2025 to 2027 due to funding shortfalls and testing constraints. The effort is part of a joint Navy-Army hypersonic program exceeding $50 billion.
Jul 17, 5:10 PM·1m read3 sources
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As of January 2026 the lead ship USS Zumwalt stood 94 percent complete on modifications needed to carry Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles, even as the Navy's installation program for the three-ship class lags two years behind schedule. The Government Accountability Office reported that flight testing originally planned for 2025 has been moved to 2027 because of funding shortfalls, testing constraints and unplanned work on the ships.
The Navy decided in 2022 to equip the Zumwalts with the missiles after the destroyer program was cut from 32 ships to three.
Two ships have been delivered; the third is due in 2028. The CPS missiles will also go on some Virginia-class attack submarines. The Army is fielding a ground-launched version called the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon.
Costs have risen. A 2020 Navy projection of $31 billion for 262 missiles has grown to $41 billion for 224 missiles. Lockheed Martin can produce only six or seven missiles a year at its factory instead of the planned 12. The Navy and Army manage their portions of the program separately despite sharing the missile.
GAO auditors said the lack of a joint strategy risks further delays and inefficient spending of taxpayer funds. The Zumwalts have also required extra cabling and face ongoing issues with power systems and spare parts.
