US Navy Hypersonic Missile Development Timeline Updated for 2025 and 2029 Deployments
The U.S. Navy aims to deploy hypersonic missiles on Zumwalt-class destroyers by 2025 and Virginia-class submarines by 2029. The revised timeline is due to delays in submarine delivery, not missile development, emphasizing the need for effective integration and testing methods.

The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs office plans to field hypersonic weapons on Zumwalt-class destroyers by 2025 and Virginia-class submarines by 2029. This adjustment reflects delays in submarine delivery rather than development setbacks.
The Army will deploy the hypersonic weapon next year using ground-based hot launch methods, while the Navy must develop an air-launch system for its destroyers. Testing has revealed integration and launch challenges, but the Navy is making progress, including the construction of an underwater launch test facility in Crane, Indiana. Successful integration into existing combat systems is crucial as schedules tighten and workload increases.




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