US Navy launches FLASH hypersonic missile program

The US Navy has launched the Flight Advancement of Structures for Hypersonics (FLASH) program, aiming to create a tactical-range hypersonic strike system for surface ships and submarines. This system is designed to be housed in standard Mark 41 vertical launch cells and Virginia-class submarine launchers, addressing a key limitation of the existing Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program, which requires specialized launchers not widely available across the fleet. The FLASH initiative seeks to enhance the Navy's hypersonic capabilities by enabling broader deployment without extensive modifications to existing vessels.