US hypersonic weapons development accelerates
Key Questions
What is the status of the Navy's Blackbeard hypersonic missile program?
The program has secured $155M in contracts for a missile with 497-mile range launched from F/A-18 aircraft. It provides carrier air wings with a survivable standoff capability against advanced defenses.
How does Blackbeard fit into broader US hypersonic development?
It is part of a surge including Dark Eagle, ARRW, and Glide Phase Interceptor programs. Castelion plans to mass-produce thousands of Blackbeard missiles annually.
What congressional support exists for hypersonic initiatives?
Congress aligned funding through the MACE program to accelerate Blackbeard development. This supports naval aviation capabilities reviewed by the US Pacific Fleet chief.
Developing: Navy's Blackbeard hypersonic missile program moving fast—$155M in contracts, 497-mile range from F/A-18, congressional MACE funding alignment. This gives carrier air wings a survivable standoff option against advanced air defenses. Part of broader US hypersonic surge including Dark Eagle, ARRW, and Glide Phase Interceptor.