The award moves Blackbeard from development and flight testing toward production intended for operational use. It also funds the work required to establish the weapon as a Navy Program of Record.
Castelion will provide engineering, technical, logistics and manufacturing services for the initial 50-weapon requirement. The new order builds on its previous work under the Navy’s “Low Cost Highly Manufacturable Long Range Strike Weapon Production” effort.
The contract also covers Defense Exportability Features design modifications. These changes are intended to accelerate potential sales of Blackbeard to U.S. allies and partners.
Work will be performed at Castelion’s facility in Torrance, California. Completion is scheduled for August 2028.
