US Navy orders 3,800 mph-speed Blackbeard hypersonic missile for its carrier-based jets

The US Navy awarded Castelion a production contract worth up to $200 million for the first batch of Blackbeard hypersonic missiles for carrier-based aviation. In June 2026, 50 missiles for early operational capability were ordered. Production takes place in New Mexico and California.

• Contract for production, assembly, and testing of missiles for the fleet
• Blackbeard speed stated at about 3,800 mph
• Air-launched missile for strikes on maritime and land targets
• Production at Project Ranger campus in Rio Rancho and in Torrance