Following successful trials with the latest milestone of the next generation TPM-2 missile the DDS are hopeful it can enter service before the end of the year. Although Milestone 3 did have a few issues, especially with the power unit coolant control the DDS are confident these problems are now ironed out. In the early summer TPM-2 Release Candidate A will be issued to test units. This will be a "98%" version of the final missile and allow for final testing and evaluation.
For RCA the DDS want to improve the datalinking and electronic countermeasures built into the missile to allow it ti receive updated targeting information and counter enemy defences easier. If RCA is successful then it will be cleared to enter service. A growing number of ships are now TPM-2 compatible though modified missile launchers are still rare. The DDS expect it to take 2-3 years to fully change the DDS over to the new missile.
