World · East Asia & Pacific · 6 hrs ago
US seeks low-cost Blackbeard hypersonic missiles for Navy fighters
The US Navy plans to deploy Blackbeard hypersonic missiles on carrier-based fighter jets.
The weapon is being developed by California-based defence company Castelion to strike ships and targets on land.
It is designed to travel at more than five times the speed of sound.
The missile is intended to cost less and be produced in larger numbers than more expensive hypersonic weapons.
In May, the Pentagon sought congressional approval and funding to buy more than 12,000 missiles for use across the US armed services over five years.
The Navy estimates an average unit cost of about US$385,000 for the 2028–31 financial years, compared with an estimated US$3.25 million for the larger LRASM missile.
Experts say Blackbeard could pose a new challenge to air defences protecting Chinese warships and coastal military sites; the proposed purchase still needs congressional approval and funding.
The US Navy aims to field Castelion’s low-cost Blackbeard hypersonic missile on carrier-based fighters.
The missile is designed to fly at more than five times the speed of sound and strike ships and land targets.
In May, the Pentagon sought authorisation and funding to buy more than 12,000 Blackbeard missiles for use across the armed services over five years.
Navy projections put the average gross unit cost at about US$385,000 in financial years 2028-31.
Experts said the weapon could challenge air defences protecting Chinese warships and coastal military installations.
- Who
- The US Navy and California-based defence company Castelion.
- What
- The Navy aims to field Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic missile on carrier-based fighters.
- When
- The Pentagon sought funding and authorisation in May; the year is not stated. Navy cost projections cover financial years 2028-31.
- Where
- On US Navy carrier-based fighters; the missile is designed to strike ships and land targets.
- Why
- The weapon is being developed with an emphasis on affordability and mass production. Experts said it could challenge Chinese air defences.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
US Air Force budget figures put the estimated cost of Lockheed Martin’s LRASM at about US$3.25 million.
The Pentagon sought congressional authorisation and funding to buy more than 12,000 Blackbeard missiles for deployment across the armed services over five years.
Navy projections put Blackbeard’s average gross unit cost at about US$385,000.
- Developer
- Castelion, a California-based defence company
- Speed
- More than five times the speed of sound
- Requested quantity
- More than 12,000 Blackbeard missiles
- Blackbeard projected unit cost
- About US$385,000 in financial years 2028-31
- LRASM estimated cost
- About US$3.25 million in 2024 financial year budget figures
Sources
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