US Navy achieves breakthrough in sea-based hypersonic missile testing

The US Navy has made significant strides in its pursuit of sea-based hypersonic weapons with a successful end-to-end flight test of a conventional hypersonic missile, launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

This test, which took place recently, marks the first successful launch of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) missile using the Navy's innovative cold-gas launch approach. The successful test is a key milestone in the Navy's efforts to field hypersonic weapons from sea-based platforms, Caliber.Az reports via US Department of Defence.

The #USNavy goes hypersonic! 🔥🚀

Strategic Systems Programs conducted the first end-to-end flight test of a conventional hypersonic missile utilizing the Navy's cold-gas launch approach that will be used in sea-based platforms.

"The speed, range, and survivability of… pic.twitter.com/M3x8ae89IF

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) May 2, 2025

Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, emphasized the importance of hypersonic capabilities for the US military's strategic deterrence, stating, "The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence for America. When fielded, Conventional Prompt Strike will deliver unmatched capabilities to our warfighters."

The test involved the launch of the missile, which left behind a trail of smoke and flames as it soared into the sky, showcasing the missile's potential for rapid, precise strikes. This test is part of the Navy's ongoing flight testing program for the common All Up Round (AUR) of the hypersonic missile, developed in collaboration with the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. The successful test follows two earlier end-to-end flight tests completed in 2024.

Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), which is spearheading the hypersonic missile development, explained the technical advancements behind the cold-gas launch approach. "The cold-gas approach allows the Navy to eject the missile from the platform and achieve a safe distance above the ship prior to first stage ignition. This technical achievement brings SSP one step closer to fulfilling our role of providing a safe and reliable hypersonic capability to our Navy," he said.

The CPS program has been systematically planning and executing engineering and test efforts to support the Navy's first fielding of the hypersonic system aboard the USS ZUMWALT. As part of the program, an In-Air Launch test facility was used to conduct a thorough series of tests to validate the new launch technique before the flight test was conducted. Data gathered from this test will help inform the ongoing development and production of the AUR, as well as the deployment of this cold-gas launch method on surface ship platforms.

The rapid development and successful demonstration of sea-based conventional hypersonic strike capabilities are seen as a critical advancement in the US' military strategy to deter and, if necessary, defeat potential adversaries. Hypersonic weapons offer unmatched speed, accuracy, lethality, and survivability, significantly enhancing US conventional strike capabilities. This development strengthens the United States' ability to counter high-end capabilities of potential adversaries and maintain a strategic edge in global defence.

By Vafa Guliyeva