US Navy Contracts Castelion for 50 Blackbeard Hypersonic Prototypes
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $23.4 million contract to Castelion Corp. for 50 Blackbeard hypersonic missile prototypes. This initiative aims to deliver cost-effective hypersonic weapons to enhance military readiness and complicate adversarial air defense strategies.
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On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Navy contracted Castelion Corp. for the production of 50 pre-production prototypes of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, alongside 50 dedicated storage containers. This $23.4 million contract is part of a broader effort to develop low-cost hypersonic capabilities, with a long-term production target aimed at achieving affordability and mass procurement.
Manufacturing will take place primarily in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and completion is expected by December 2027. Prior contracts include a $50 million order in February 2026 and a $105 million modification for integration onto the F/A-18 fighter.
The program has seen rapid development, with over 25 flight tests in less than 30 months. Additionally, Castelion has partnered with Saronic Technologies to demonstrate maritime launch capabilities by 2027. This rapid advancement could significantly alter adversaries' strategic calculations regarding U.S. military capabilities.
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