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Castelion's Landmark Achievements in Defense Technology

Torrance, California - October 24, 2025
Castelion, an innovative U.S. defense technology company, recently announced its success in securing multiple contracts to integrate its cutting-edge Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapon onto operational platforms for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. This strategic move marks a significant step forward in modern military capabilities, particularly in demonstrating affordable and effective long-range strike options.

Background on Castelion

Founded in late 2022, Castelion is headquartered in Torrance, California and operates additional facilities in Texas. The company specializes in developing affordable, long-range weapons and aims to restore credible non-nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Blackbeard system, the company's first long-range hypersonic weapon, exemplifies Castelion's mission through its emphasis on manufacturability and rapid iteration, allowing rapid deployment to support U.S. military objectives.

Integration and Testing of the Blackbeard Weapon System

Under the recently awarded contracts, Castelion will collaborate closely with both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy to facilitate the integration of the Blackbeard weapon system onto their existing platforms. This project includes extensive live-fire tests aimed at demonstrating the weapon's advanced capabilities in real-world scenarios. The primary objective of this collaboration is to accelerate the Department of War's evaluation process for new, cost-effective strike capabilities that enhance conventional deterrence.

Bryon Hargis, CEO of Castelion, emphasized the importance of these contracts, stating, "These integration contracts validate that affordability and speed are critical to modern deterrence." He explained that achieving both factors enables the military to transition quickly from theoretical concepts to practical capabilities.

The Advantages of the Blackbeard System

The Blackbeard is designed for mass production and rapid deployment, once integration and testing phases are completed. By utilizing vertically integrated propulsion and guidance subsystems, Blackbeard achieves superior performance at a fraction of the cost associated with traditional weapons systems. This capability aligns with the Department of Defense's goal of building scalable and credible non-nuclear deterrent capabilities capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

In a military landscape increasingly defined by the pace of technological advancements, Castelion’s Blackbeard offers a promising path toward enhanced operational flexibility. The weapon system’s proven agility not only caters to immediate defense needs but also reflects an adaptable approach to evolving military doctrines.

Future Prospects for Castelion and Hypersonic Weapons

Castelion continues to forge strategic partnerships within government and industry circles to improve the affordability, manufacturability, and readiness of next-generation strike systems for the joint force. This collaborative approach underscores Castelion's commitment to staying ahead of technological curves while fulfilling the pressing demands of modern warfare.

More than 20 developmental test flights of the Blackbeard weapon system have been conducted within an impressive timeframe of just 18 months, highlighting the effectiveness of Castelion's rapid weapons development process.

The implications of Castelion's developments extend beyond the laboratory and testing ranges; they have the potential to shift the balance of military deterrence. As Castelion leads the industry in creating efficient and cost-effective defense technologies, the U.S. military stands poised to enhance its capabilities through innovations like the Blackbeard system, setting a new standard for national security.