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Conventional Prompt Strike

Conventional Prompt Strike refers to a military capability to rapidly launch and deliver non-nuclear weapons to hit targets anywhere in the world very quickly. The goal is to provide a fast response option without resorting to nuclear weapons.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) is a strategic military doctrine focused on delivering rapid, non-nuclear precision strikes against high-value, time-sensitive targets globally, typically leveraging advanced hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) or ballistic missile systems. This capability aims to provide a conventional deterrent and responsive force option, bridging the gap between conventional slow-response and nuclear options.

BACKGROUND

Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS), formerly called Prompt Global Strike (PGS), is a United States military effort to develop a system that can deliver a precision-guided conventional weapon strike anywhere in the world within one hour, in a similar manner to a nuclear ICBM. Such a weapon would allow the United States to respond far more swiftly to rapidly emerging threats than is possible with conventional forces. A CPS system could also be useful during a nuclear conflict, potentially replacing the use of nuclear weapons against up to 30% of targets. The CPS program encompasses numerous established and emerging technologies, including conventional surface-launched missiles and air- and submarine-launched hypersonic missiles.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Prompt Global Strike
  • PGS
  • Non-Nuclear Global Strike
  • Global Strike
  • Hypersonic Strike Capability

USAGE NOTE

CPS is a critical area of development for major powers, addressing the need for rapid, conventional responses to emerging threats without escalation to nuclear conflict.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Conventional Prompt Strike.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily involved in the development of hypersonic weapons, missile systems, and advanced strike capabilities critical for Conventional Prompt Strike.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    A major defense contractor developing advanced missile systems, hypersonic weapons, and sophisticated sensors and targeting systems that contribute to prompt global strike capabilities.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A leading global aerospace and defense technology company developing advanced missile systems, launch vehicles, and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems essential for conventional prompt strike missions.

  • Boeing

    Through its defense, space, and security division, Boeing develops advanced weapon systems, platforms, and related technologies that could be integrated into Conventional Prompt Strike architectures.

  • Dynetics (a Leidos company)

    Known for rapid prototyping and advanced technology development, Dynetics has been a key participant in U.S. government programs for hypersonic weapon systems, directly supporting Conventional Prompt Strike initiatives.

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

    A U.S. government agency responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military, DARPA funds and manages numerous foundational research and development efforts in hypersonics, advanced propulsion, and precision strike technologies relevant to Conventional Prompt Strike.

  • Sandia National Laboratories

    As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, Sandia conducts extensive scientific research and engineering development in areas such as aerothermodynamics, guidance, navigation, control, and materials science critical for hypersonic vehicles and advanced weapon systems supporting prompt strike missions.

  • U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)

    SSP is the office directly responsible for developing, deploying, and sustaining the U.S. Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) capability, which involves advanced hypersonic missile systems for surface and submarine platforms.

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