In the U.S. fiscal year 2026 budget, the army allocated $25 million to support the development and integration of the Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) hypersonic missile into the HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile system. This initiative is part of the HX3 project and marks the transition of the system into the engineering and production development phase.
The Blackbeard GL is designed to enhance HIMARS' ability to deliver medium-range precision strikes against mobile, fortified, and temporarily accessible targets. The missile provides about 80% of the capabilities of the advanced Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 at a significantly lower cost.
The system uses terminal guidance with an active search head unit, which makes it possible to effectively hit moving and hidden targets even in difficult conditions. The integration of the rocket into the modified launch containers of the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM) will ensure compatibility with the HIMARS and M270 platforms, expanding operational capabilities without significant changes in technology.
It is planned to complete software validation, conduct flight tests and prepare production samples by 2027, after which the delivery of systems to the troops will begin. The Blackbeard GL will be an important addition to the U.S. Army's arsenal, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strike capabilities in the face of growing threats from Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons.
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