U.S. Navy Funds DDG 1002 Sea Trials for Second Zumwalt Set to Carry 12 Hypersonic Missiles

The U.S. Navy awarded HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding a $99 million contract modification covering sea trials of the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), as the ship progresses toward delivery and operational integration. The destroyer is being configured for the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system, with an intended arrangement of four launch tubes holding three missiles each. The planned 12-weapon installation would give the vessel a conventional long-range strike capability distinct from its original gun-based design. The award funds testing and completion-related activities, not delivery of 12 operational missiles, and further qualification remains necessary before those weapons enter service.