Image source: topwar.ru
For the first time, the US Navy has signed a contract with the Castellion startup for the supply of Blackbeard hypersonic missiles. This step marked the transition from the development stage to the beginning of mass production.
The contract provides for the supply of 50 pre-production missiles worth $ 23.4 million. Work will be carried out primarily at the Rio Rancho, New Mexico, manufacturing complex, as well as in Torrance, California, with expected completion by 2027. It is important to note that Blackbeard is conceived as a low-cost, high-performance, long-range weapon capable of supporting America's defense capabilities in a global strategy.
Brian Hargis, CEO of Castelion, emphasized:
Castelion has previously received a $50 million contract to accelerate the development of its hypersonic systems and plans to integrate Blackbeard missiles with multi-purpose platforms, including the F/A-18 aircraft and unmanned Marauder surface ships.
Image source: topwar.ru
In addition, investments in the launch of a large-scale production complex in New Mexico reflect the country's strategic course towards developing its own hypersonic technologies. This project is an important element of the national defense policy.
The Pentagon's order for Blackbeard is a new stage for the American military industry. The introduction of hypersound into mass production will not only strengthen the US defense capabilities, but will also create new challenges for Russia and other countries that are successfully developing their hypersonic programs and are ahead of the Americans in this direction.
