The photo was taken on Oct. 28 during Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle’s visit to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and appears to be connected to testing the Navy disclosed in September. One missile is marked “Missile Guided Blackbeard AXM-XXX,” with “XXX” apparently standing in for a numerical designation.
The Navy version is intended for both the single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The Air Force integration contract covers the F-16, while the F-35A has also been identified as a potential launch aircraft.
@USNavyCNO, meet Blackbeard. https://t.co/xgu5pBVEJJ
— Castelion (@Castelion) November 2, 2026
Castelion says Blackbeard is intended to deliver “80% of the capability of the PrSM Inc. 4 missile” at a substantially lower price. The company did not specify a range for Blackbeard in that comparison.
A ground-launched version is intended for the M142 HIMARS, M270 MLRS and other launchers compatible with the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions. It remains unclear whether the Navy is interested in a ship-launched version.
