The company said the contract will fund testing and integration work required to certify the weapon for carrier-based operations. The effort includes system safety evaluations, flight testing and additional activities tied to naval aviation requirements.
Castelion said the program is designed to support the deployment of an affordable hypersonic strike capability for the Navy’s carrier air wing. The company said the contract reflects continued efforts to accelerate the weapon’s path to operational service.
“The U.S. Navy’s commitment to fielding affordable, innovative hypersonic capability reflects the kind of leadership this moment demands and clear determination to move fast for the warfighter,” said Bryon Hargis.
“We’re grateful for the continued trust in Blackbeard and in our team,” Hargis added.
Under the contract, Castelion will complete hardware and software integration of the weapon onto the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet platform. The company said this phase is intended to prepare the system for operational deployment.
The agreement also includes system safety and airworthiness certification. Castelion said the process is required to ensure the weapon can be safely stored, loaded and carried aboard aircraft operating from carriers at sea.
The contract follows a previous $49.9 million Navy award issued in February 2026. That agreement focused on transitioning Blackbeard from the prototype stage to production.
Castelion said the latest award demonstrates continued Navy support for accelerating hypersonic weapons development. The company said the effort remains focused on delivering an early operational capability by 2027.
