Navy Develops Golden Fleet with Hypersonic Capabilities

The US Navy has announced plans to develop a new battleship program as part of its ‘Golden Fleet’ initiative. The program, which is expected to be completed by 2026, will feature Conventional Prompt Strike missiles and gun systems, and will have a large number of vertical launch systems. According to Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, the Navy’s director of surface warfare, the development of the battleship was driven by the need for more size and power than current destroyers. The project is expected to require around 700 personnel to man the ship. Breaking Defense reports that the Zumwalt-class destroyer will be the first ship class to receive the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon.