The US Navy has awarded Castelion a $105-million contract to continue efforts to integrate its Blackbeard hypersonic missile with the F/A-18, paving the way for equipping carrier-based platforms with low-cost, stand-off weapons for future high-intensity conflicts.
Under the contract, Castelion will conduct system safety and certification testing, flight testing, and other integration activities related to carrier-based operations, while transitioning the system to Early Operational Capability in 2027.
Blackbeard is designed for a long-range hypersonic glide vehicle or booster-integrated weapon with rapid response and strong survivability against modern air defenses.
To accelerate the missile’s development and prototype production, a $50-million contract was awarded in February, with expected completion by November 2027.
“The US Navy’s commitment to fielding affordable, innovative hypersonic capability reflects the kind of leadership this moment demands and clear determination to move fast for the warfighter,” CEO and Co-Founder of Castelion, Bryon Hargis, said.
“We’re grateful for the continued trust in Blackbeard and in our team.”
Blackbeard for MACE Program
The contract follows reports that Blackbeard has been selected for the US Navy’s Multi-Mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) program, which includes plans to procure roughly 4,500 air-launched hypersonic missiles over the next five years.
According to Naval News, a total of 353 all-up rounds are set to be procured for Lot 1 in fiscal year 2027, with annual procurement rising to 691, 976, 1,115, and 1,375 in subsequent years.
MACE is intended to provide the service with a more affordable alternative to current long-range missiles, such as the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, which costs more than $3 million.
Blackbeard, by comparison, is estimated to cost around $300,000, enabling greater scale and operational flexibility.
In addition to the F/A-18, MACE is designed for internal carriage of up to four all-up rounds on the F-35A/C. The system is expected to feature a 75-pound (34-kilogram) warhead, terminal guidance capable of detecting moving targets, and a minimum production capacity of 500 all-up rounds per year.
