US Navy to buy Castelion 'Blackbeard' hypersonic missile

The US Navy's fiscal year 2027 budget includes the Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) program to purchase the mass-produced 'Blackbeard' hypersonic missile from the company Castelion. The missile, initially developed as a low-cost analog to the PrSM for ground launchers, has been tested on an F/A-18 fighter and is planned for integration on the F-35, with a requirement to carry four internally. The Navy plans to buy 353 units for $156 million in 2027, with annual production ramping up to over 1,300 units by 2031. The munition must have a 75-pound warhead, terminal guidance for moving targets, and a unit cost under $300,000 to meet operational readiness by 2027.