US Army bets big on startup-led hypersonic weapon for tactical edge

The U.S. Army is accelerating the development of its Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) hypersonic strike weapon, with the goal of beginning field deliveries by 2028.

Designed to offer a cost-effective, mid-range precision capability, the system will be compatible with existing HIMARS launchers and later, with the Army’s Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML), Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media.

According to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget justification documents, the Army has requested $25 million to fund the integration of the All Up Round and Canister (AUR+C) configuration of the Blackbeard GL into HIMARS. This funding will support continued system development, including flight tests, software validation, and integration with current launchers.

The Blackbeard GL will use seeker-based hypersonic missile technology, capable of engaging time-sensitive and hardened targets. Its speed and survivability, combined with compatibility with fielded platforms, will allow for rapid, distributed strikes. Unlike larger and more costly hypersonic systems, Blackbeard is engineered for mass production, making it more affordable and responsive in tactical environments.

The program gained formal traction in May 2025, when an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) authorised the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to lead the effort. Development will follow the parameters outlined in the approved CAML Abbreviated Capability Development Document.

The first flight demonstrations of a fixed-fin, air-launched version of the Blackbeard missile are scheduled for early 2026, using a modified Government Furnished Equipment MFOM pod. These tests will pave the way for the fabrication of minimum viable product prototypes, including a dedicated Blackbeard GL launcher pod. A live-fire test of the production prototype is planned for 2027.

Although Blackbeard GL is ultimately intended to serve as the primary munition for CAML, it will first be deployed via HIMARS as an interim measure. Its integration into HIMARS will enhance lethality with hypersonic strike capabilities at a lower unit cost than current systems.

While the Army’s budget documents do not explicitly name industry partners, the project timeline and technical descriptions suggest involvement from Castelion, a defence startup founded in 2022. Castelion is reportedly backed by $100 million in venture capital and specialises in low-cost, fast-deployment weapons systems. The company’s leadership includes former executives from SpaceX, Raytheon, and other major defence contractors.

If Castelion is indeed involved, the Army is relying on its maturing design to meet the 2028 delivery goal. While questions remain about whether a startup can deliver PrSM Increment 4-level performance within such a short timeframe, the Army appears committed to accelerating the program.

With its $25 million FY2026 budget line and an ambitious testing roadmap, Blackbeard GL represents a strategic push to expand tactical hypersonic capabilities through existing and proven platforms like HIMARS, offering a more affordable and scalable solution to modern battlefield requirements.

By Tamilla Hasanova