06-05-2025
Sea-based hypersonic missile launch system clears key test as US reveals secret launch
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Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
The Department of Defense (DoD) on Friday revealed that the missile launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 25 successfully demonstrated an end-to-end hypersonic flight test, marking the first use of a sea-based cold-gas launch system.
This system, which safely ejects the missile from a ship platform before ignition, is expected to play a key role in future advanced weapon deployments at sea, including aboard the USS Zumwalt.
In a press release, the Pentagon noted that data gathered from the test will support continued development of the Common All-Up Round (AUR), a joint hypersonic missile being developed for both the Navy and Army.
'The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence for America,' Secretary of the Navy John Phelan said. 'When fielded, Conventional Prompt Strike will deliver unmatched capabilities to our warfighters.'
Cold launch, big leap
The test comes as the United States intensifies its efforts to build hypersonic capabilities, joining Russia and China in a growing global race to master the technology. Russia has reportedly used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine, while China has denied testing such weapons, despite U.S. military claims.
Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), emphasized that the cold-gas launch approach moves the Navy closer to safely deploying hypersonic systems.
'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,' Wolfe said. 'This technical achievement brings SSP one step closer to fulfilling our role of providing a safe and reliable hypersonic capability to our Navy.'
The CPS program has been critical in preparing for the first Navy deployment aboard the Zumwalt.
Prior to the flight test, the program conducted an extensive test campaign using an in-air launch test facility to validate the launch approach.
Information gathered from the test will help inform continued development of the AUR and its integration with surface ship platforms, the Navy said.
Silent test, loud message
The DoD maintained complete secrecy as it fired skyward from Launch Complex 46 on April 25 to conduct the test in one of the first war missile launches from Cape Canaveral since 1988. A navigational warning issued by the U.S. Coast Guard hinted at a hypersonic test flight, outlining a broad security zone stretching into the Atlantic Ocean.
'A combined team of government, academic, and industry partners conducted a test on behalf of the Department of Defense from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. We are currently evaluating the results of the test,' a DoD spokesperson told Florida Today at the time, without disclosing further details.
The swift advancement of sea-based hypersonic strike systems is seen as a significant boost to the U.S. military's ability to deter—or if necessary, defeat—strategic threats.
The range, speed, precision, and survivability of hypersonic weapons represent a major leap in U.S. conventional strike capability, complementing existing systems and bolstering its edge against high-end adversaries.
