The United States military has increased its efforts to counter the threat from hypersonic missiles, but the Pentagon also remains committed to the weapons’ development. Last month, even as the United States Navy canceled its HALO hypersonic missile program, it tested its Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) conventional hypersonic missile from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

The service appears to be more focused on which hypersonic weapon programs will move forward, while others will be “deep-sixed.” The CPS, previously known as the Prompt Global Strike (PGS), is now under development with the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). 

The efforts seek to field a “cold-gas launch approach” that could strike anywhere in the world within an hour, enabling the United States to respond far more quickly than is currently possible with conventional forces.

“The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence for America,” said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan........

© The National Interest