US Navy requests $3.6bn to buy 64 Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles for Zumwalt destroyers and Virginia nuclear-powered submarines

Last week we wrote that the US Navy has requested funds for the purchase of the first Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles for the 2024 fiscal year (FY). Now it has been revealed that the number will increase to 64 within 5 years.

Here's What We Know

According to budget documents, the cost of the first eight hypersonic missiles in 2024FY will be $341 million. In 2025FY, the US Navy wants to spend $440 million to buy 10 Conventional Prompt Strike missiles. Zumwalt-class destroyers will be equipped with hypersonic weapons in 2025FY, and tests will be held in 2024. Modernisation has already begun.

Eleven Conventional Prompt Strike missiles worth $663 million will be purchased in 2026FY. Another 16 units will be purchased in 2027FY. The cost will be $988 million.

Finally, in 2028FY, the U.S. Navy wants to get 19 hypersonic missiles worth more than $1.1 billion. Thus, over five years, the service will order 64 missiles for $3.6 billion.

The US Navy will also begin equipping nuclear-powered submarines with hypersonic weapons at the end of this decade. Virginia class submarines will be the first to get the Conventional Prompt Strike.

Source: Breaking Defense