The U.S. Dept. of Defense assigned a $534-million contract to Lockheed Martin Space for systems engineering and development, and testing, of the Conventional Prompt Strike component of the broader hypersonic weapons development. Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) is DoD’s label for its strategy to deliver a precision-guided conventional weapon strike anywhere in the world within one hour. That capability exists with nuclear-armed missiles (ICBM), but establishing it also for conventional weapons would be a new advantage to U.S. forces against a range of global threats.
That strategic enhancement is a broad goal for DoD’s development of hypersonic weapons technology, largely through Lockheed. Hypersonic weapons – which are among the top U.S. developmental priorities – are high-speed (Mach 5 or above) weapons that travel at suborbital heights, making them difficult for air-defense systems to track and intercept due to their speed and maneuverability.
The new assignment for Lockheed is made in a “not to exceed…” manner, and comes under a cost-plus incentive-fee modification to an earlier award. The modification incorporates an optional line item that could increase the total value of the contract to $570 million.
Much of the work will be done by Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, Colorado, with various portions assigned to operations in California, Massachusetts, and other states.
The engineering, development, and testing are expected to be complete by June 2025.
