WASHINGTON, May 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy successfully

tested a sea-based hypersonic missile launch system at Cape

Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking a significant

step toward deploying the advanced weapons at sea, the service

announced on Friday.

The test demonstrated the Navy's cold-gas launch approach,

which ejects the missile from a ship platform before ignition,

ensuring safe distance. This method will be used in future

sea-based deployments, including aboard the USS Zumwalt.

"The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons

are key to integrated deterrence for America," said Navy

Secretary John Phelan.

Lockheed Martin Corp ( LMT ) is the prime contractor for the

weapon.

The test comes as the United States races to develop

hypersonic capabilities, with Russia and China also pursuing

similar technologies.

Russia has reportedly used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine,

while China denies conducting weapons tests despite U.S.

military claims.