Castelion receives increased funding for Blackbeard hypersonic missile

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has increased its funding for Castelion, a defense company developing the ‘Blackbeard’ hypersonic missile. An additional $16.4 million has been added to an existing contract, bringing the total value of the agreement to $37.2 million.

Based in Torrance, California, Castelion was founded in 2022 by three former SpaceX engineers. The company aims to move away from the small-batch production typical of previous hypersonic programs, instead focusing on industrial-scale, commercial-style manufacturing of long-range strike weapons.

The Blackbeard missile is designed to maneuver within the atmosphere at speeds exceeding Mach 5. It is being developed for versatility, with versions compatible with both ground-based HIMARS launch systems and aerial deployment from aircraft such as the F/A-18. The project is funded through the 2025 fiscal year and is scheduled to continue until June 30, 2028.