U.S. Navy Destroyer Tests Gun-Based Hypervelocity Projectiles in Support of Counter-UAS Development

In August 2024, during the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) Composite Training Unit Exercise, the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) tested BAE Systems’ Hypervelocity Projectiles (HVP) as part of a fleet trial of Counter-UAS systems. The series of tests were the first of two major campaigns to aid the U.S. Navy in determining its future courses of action regarding low-cost air and missile defense.

USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) tested a total of four systems, with Jason Dunham testing BAE Systems’ HVP, and The Sullivans testing Lockheed Martin’s Longbow Hellfire, Anduril’s Roadrunner, and Raytheon’s Coyote. Efforts to test and deploy the various systems dates back months as part of a military-wide effort to rapidly deploy new capabilities to fight the cost curve of counter-UAS missions.

The tests were disclosed during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. Navy posture and capabilities in June.

Of the four systems, three are confirmed to be deploying or already deployed aboard ships in an operational role. Naval News covered the addition of the Longbow Hellfire to the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), a Littoral Combat Ship that was, at the time, deployed to 5th Fleet conducting navigational freedom operations in the Red Sea. Both the Freedom-class and Independence-class LCS variants have dedicated vertical launch cells for Hellfire missiles, making integration less intensive.

But with an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer performing tests, it is possible that the ships were equipped with a variant of Lockheed Martin’s JAGM Quad Launcher (JQL) that was put on display for the first time at SNA 2025. The destroyer class does not have dedicated vertical launch cells for Hellfire or JAGM, but Lockheed Martin displayed an Arleigh Burke model featuring reloadable cells early this year.

USS The Sullivans is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea performing ballistic missile defense missions in support of Israel amid the ongoing war in the region. Longbow Hellfire and Coyote launchers are not visible on the destroyer, and it is unclear if Roadrunner drones are stowed onboard.

Despite The Sullivans not explicitly mentioned for Anduril’s Roadrunner and Raytheon’s Coyote, they have been confirmed to be deploying with the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group which will depart Norfolk, Virginia for its planned deployment to 6th Fleet. Stars and Stripes covered the GRFCSG’s new weapons during a media embark onboard the carrier during its COMPTUEX. According to Stars and Stripes, six destroyers will deploy with the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

The hypervelocity projectiles, developed by BAE Systems, have taken a much quieter approach. Naval News learned of continued HVP testing in October 2024 at the Association of the U.S. Army conference in Washington D.C.. BAE Systems representatives explained the wide range of interested customers and

BAE Systems representatives, speaking with Naval News in October 2024, confirmed the effectiveness of the HVP against a variety of airborne threats. The HASC hearing confirmed the demonstrated effectiveness of HVP in test settings explored in August 2024.

Several U.S. Navy officials could not confirm or deny if HVPs were being deployed operationally when asked. It would be impossible to tell based on photos alone if the guided ammunition was onloaded to destroyers. But in October, a U.S. Navy spokesperson some details into the Mark 45’s current ammunition when asked what weapons were being used in Red Sea combat operations.