The US Navy is pursuing the development of Castelion’s “Blackbeard” hypersonic missile, designed to be a lower-cost alternative to existing hypersonic weapons systems. This missile, developed by a California-based defence company, is intended to be deployed on carrier-based fighters. It's capable of exceeding five times the speed of sound and can engage both ship and land-based targets. Experts believe the “Blackbeard” poses a significant challenge to the air defences safeguarding Chinese warships and coastal military installations. The emphasis on affordability and potential for mass production sets it apart from more expensive hypersonic programs. This development signals a shift towards equipping the US Navy with a more accessible hypersonic capability. The intention is to overwhelm potential adversaries with a volume of these advanced weapons.