Lockheed awarded $1.1 billion contract for sea-based hypersonic strike

The Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.1 billion initial contract to integrate hypersonic strike capability onto Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, according to a Friday announcement from the company.

The contract, which could be worth as much as $2 billion if all options are exercised, will see the Navy’s Zumwalt-class ships outfitted with Lockheed’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) -- a hypersonic boost-glide weapon system for long range missile flight.

According to a Feb. 17 Defense Department contract announcement, Lockheed will "provide program management, engineering development, systems integration, long lead material and special tooling and equipment in support of missile production."

Lockheed plans to have the system ready for the Navy’s use by the “mid-2020s,” the company's release states. Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Mission Systems will also act as subcontractors for the project.

Lawmakers have indicated that expediting hypersonic program development is a priority, and Lockheed’s release says the company is accelerating development on an “unprecedented timeline.”

Once complete, the CPS system will be the nation’s first sea-based hypersonic strike capability.

Lockheed is also the prime contractor for the Army’s land-based Long Range Hypersonic Weapon program.

Hypersonic missiles can travel at more than five times the speed of sound and are highly maneuverable and survivable against enemy defenses, according to the release.

“Under this contract, prime contractor Lockheed Martin will provide launcher systems, weapon control, All Up Rounds (AURs), which are the integrated missile components, and platform integration support for this naval platform,” the release adds.