Castelion raises $1 billion to accelerate US hypersonic missile production
Hypersonic weapons are systems capable of sustained flight above Mach 5
Castelion, a leading U.S. hypersonic missile start-up, has secured a $1 billion Series C funding round to rapidly expand its production capabilities. The round, led by JPMorgan Chase’s Strategic Investment Group, Andreessen Horowitz, and Carlyle‑managed funds, brings the company's valuation to $13 billion. The capital will enable Castelion to accelerate the production of its flagship Blackbeard hypersonic strike missile and support the development of longer-range precision strike systems and new defensive capabilities for air and missile defense missions.
The funding will also support the expansion of Castelion's Project Ranger facility in New Mexico, a 1,000-acre high-volume manufacturing site capable of supporting sustained missile production. The company CEO, Bryon Hargis, emphasized the importance of American strength and capability in deterring adversaries. Castelion has already secured over $500 million in government contracts with the US Navy and is targeting the production of at least 500 Blackbeard missiles annually, contingent on successful testing.
The US aims to close a hypersonic gap with China and Russia, which are rapidly advancing their own hypersonic weapon programs.
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