Torrance, Calif. – September 17, 2026 -- Castelion has secured a U.S. Navy production delivery order worth up to $200 million to manufacture, assemble, test and deliver an initial lot of Blackbeard hypersonic weapons to the fleet.
Navy shifts Blackbeard from prototypes to a production line under SBIR Phase III
The order was awarded by Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation (PAE(A)) through its Future Capability Development and Integration Aviation Rapid Capabilities Cell, marking the program's transition from early operational capability testing to full production rounds. It follows a June 2026 order for 50 Early Operational Capability weapons, extending the Navy's commitment to the air-launched hypersonic strike system.
Blackbeard targets a gap in naval aviation's long-range strike reach
Blackbeard is designed as a responsive, long-range, high-speed strike weapon against maritime and land targets, intended to expand magazine depth and lethal reach for carrier-based naval aviation. The production award builds on a prior series of platform integration contracts with the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.
CEO cites the Navy's willingness to cut procurement red tape
"The Navy's decision to move into production reflects its confidence in the Blackbeard program, and the progress we've made together," said Bryon Hargis, Co-founder and CEO of Castelion. "That's how you get capability to the fleet fast, clear red tape, and partner with industry."
Castelion backs the program with hundreds of millions in private capital
Castelion has funded Blackbeard's development with hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment, alongside partnerships with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The company's production strategy relies on vertical integration and commercial manufacturing methods, giving it direct control over cost, quality and schedule from raw material to finished round.
Production work spans New Mexico and California manufacturing sites
Work under the award will be carried out at Project Ranger, Castelion's 1,000-acre manufacturing campus in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and at its Torrance, California facility.