It’s a flight-proven hypersonic missile powered for the first time by a storable liquid engine
A new Air Force demonstrator with a novel engine is testing whether hypersonics can field faster, be adaptable, and affordably scale.
Ursa Major's new CEO Chris Spagnoletti told Breaking Defense that the company's new hypersonic weapon could cost $3 million a piece.
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
The six men range from a former Amazon exec to a biologist who studied jellyfish stinging Navy divers, but all have extensive experience in the Defense Department’s tech apparatus.
Under Secretary for Research & Engineering Emil Michael pruned a sprawling list of “critical technology areas” down from 14 to just six: AI, quantum, biomanufacturing, contested logistics, directed energy (lasers, microwave weapons, et al), and hypersonics. His aim: “deliver capabilities” in three years or less.
“While envisioned as a primary munition for CAML, Blackbeard GL is designed to be compatible with existing HIMARS platforms as an interim solution," the Army's fiscal 2026 budget said.
Rigorous end-to-end systems testing is imperative and needs to happen soon for Golden Dome for America to be a success, according to this op-ed from Sarah Mineiro.
"Keeping hypersonic missiles in the phase of a science project will not deter the Chinese," writes Robbin Laird in this column.
Following a decision by Swedish political leadership in 2019 to improve the country’s military capabilities, weapons procurement has surged, said Brig. Gen. Lars Helmrich.
GE executive Mark Rettig said the company’s recent foray into hypersonic technology has opened a new range of opportunities for the engine maker.