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US Castelion Blackbeard hypersonic missile begins F-16 integration under AFRL contract

Published 30 October 2026

Castelion has received an AFRL contract amendment to begin integrating its Blackbeard hypersonic missile — designed to exceed Mach 5 and manoeuvre in the atmosphere — on F-16 fighters. The programme is also pursuing F/A-18E/F carrier integration and a HIMARS ground-launch variant. F-16 integration is at an early stage and test-launch timelines have not been announced.

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Telegram channel:Istoria Zbroi (Історія_Зброї) friendly28 Oct 2026 Open the post

Topicsmissiles

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