What GAO Found The Navy is currently 24 months behind in its efforts to modernize three DDG 1000 Zumwalt class destroyers to host the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile as part of its surface strike mission. Both the DDG 1000 and CPS efforts face challenges: Although modernization of the first ship in the class, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), was 94 percent complete as of January 2026, it is behind schedule due to unplanned work. The DDG 1000 class ships have unique systems, such as its radar, combat, and network systems, that are costly and difficult to sustain and maintain. The CPS effort was originally scheduled to begin flight testing on the DDG 1000 class in 2025 but this is now planned for 2027 due to funding and testing challenges. The CPS program encountered quality and production issues putting the current rate well below the production goal of 12 missile rounds per year. USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) DOD is planning to invest at least $50 billion into developing, testing, producing, and fielding CPS capability across several programs, including: CPS, Virginia class submarine, and the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, among others. While Navy and Army officials told GAO that they coordinate…
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Navy Ship Modernization: DOD Needs Comprehensive Strategy to Field Hypersonic Missile Capability
Source: US GAO Reports — US Government, Public Domain