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Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Enters Production

September 19, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

US Navy orders 444 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles.
Production order worth up to $200 million.
Air Force adds $16.4 million to existing Castelion contract.
Castelion aims to produce 500 missiles annually.

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Strategic Implications

This production order may indicate the US military's growing interest in hypersonic capabilities. The involvement of both the Navy and Air Force suggests a potential shift in the services' procurement strategies, which could benefit Castelion and other hypersonic missile manufacturers. The planned production rate of 500 missiles per year may also signal a significant expansion of the US hypersonic arsenal.

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What Happened

Navy Places $200 Million Order for 444 Rounds

The US Navy has placed a production order for 444 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles, worth up to $200 million, with Castelion, a company founded by former SpaceX engineers. The order marks a significant milestone in the development of the Blackbeard program, which has received funding from both the Navy and Air Force. Castelion aims to produce 500 missiles annually at its Project Ranger facility in New Mexico. This development was first reported by MiGFlug.

Source | Originally Published: September 19, 2026

Companies Mentioned