#United States #Hypersonics #Castelion #Project Ranger #Sandoval County

Castelion Launches Project Ranger in New Mexico

On November 17, 2025, Castelion, an innovative defense technology firm, unveiled its ambitious plan to establish Project Ranger, a cutting-edge hypersonic manufacturing campus in Sandoval County, New Mexico. This initiative signifies a major leap in American defense technology, as it aims to enhance the production capabilities for solid rocket motors that are crucial for next-generation hypersonic systems.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The 1,000-acre facility is projected to generate an impressive economic output of over $650 million over the next decade while creating around 300 high-quality jobs for the local workforce. Castelion's commitment to invest more than $100 million into this project underscores its belief in New Mexico as a hub for talent and innovation in the defense sector.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential, stating, "New Mexico has always been at the forefront of American defense and innovation. This project is a significant step forward, creating high-paying jobs and enhancing national security."

Choosing New Mexico

Andrew Kreitz, Co-founder and CFO of Castelion, highlighted the extensive search process that led the company to select New Mexico. "We opted for New Mexico due to its technical talent pool, strong regional infrastructure, and rich history of scientific achievement," he explained. This decision not only reestablishes America's capacity to produce advanced defense systems but also reinforces the state’s historical role in innovation.

This project will focus on producing solid rocket motors, conducting static tests, and assembling components, thereby solidifying New Mexico's standing in the defense technology landscape. Senator Martin Heinrich also remarked on the importance of this development for the state, emphasizing the long-lasting benefits it will provide in terms of job creation and economic growth.

Collaboration and Support

Project Ranger's establishment in Sandoval County was made possible through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including local government, economic development organizations, and state officials. Rob Black, Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, stated, "This significant investment propels our innovation economy forward and creates high-tech careers in our region."

Michael Meek, chair of the Sandoval County Board of Commissioners, praised the collaborative efforts that led to Castelion’s selection: "To attract a company such as Castelion highlights the hard work and dedication of our community and our commitment to supporting innovative business ventures."

Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County manager, also emphasized the readiness of the county to partner with Castelion, ensuring mutual success for both the company and the local economy.

Future Prospects

Chad Matheson, the interim president and CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, expressed optimism about the future, stating, "This announcement reflects the strengths of our leadership and public-private partnerships, exemplifying New Mexico's leading role in defense technology and innovation."

As Project Ranger evolves, it is set to enhance the region's identity as a center for advanced manufacturing and national security. Mayor of Rio Rancho, Gregg Hull, reiterated the confidence in New Mexico’s workforce. He stated, "Rio Rancho and New Mexico possess the skilled workforce necessary to boost Castelion’s growth trajectory."

About Castelion

Founded in late 2022 and headquartered in Torrance, California, Castelion aims to restore credible non-nuclear deterrence by developing affordable, long-range hypersonic strike weapons. It's notable that the company’s first weapon system, Blackbeard, has already achieved over 20 developmental test flights in a remarkably short period, demonstrating the firm's capacity for rapid and scalable weapon development.

In summary, Project Ranger not only represents a critical investment in defense manufacturing but also symbolizes a hopeful future for New Mexico's economy and technological landscape. The collaboration between Castelion and New Mexico is anticipated to yield long-term benefits for both the community and the nation at large.