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AeroTime • Stephen Pope

MDA tests hypersonics from Stratolaunch using ex-Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 and Talon-A3

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) carried out a hypersonic flight test using Stratolaunch’s Talon-A3 vehicle launched from a modified Boeing 747-400. The test was conducted as part of an MDA mission, leveraging Stratolaunch’s former Virgin Orbit 747 for reusable hypersonic test activity.

2026-05-21T12:39:25.249024-07:00

Bloomberg

US Space Force missile-alert satellite program flagged as among lowest performers, with risk of mission-critical defects

2026-05-21T03:24:22.543931-07:00

defence-industry.eu

US Global Strike Command conducts May 20 unarmed Minuteman III ICBM system-reliability test from Vandenberg

2026-05-20T03:09:58.809814-07:00

Defense Scoop

Space Force confirms Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo as SDA director and names him PAE for missile warning/tracking

2026-05-19T13:25:44.979344-07:00

News Timeline

AeroTime

MDA tests hypersonics from Stratolaunch using ex-Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 and Talon-A3 The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) carried out a hypersonic flight test using Stratolaunch’s Talon-A3 vehicle launched from a modified Boeing 747-400. The test was conducted as part of an MDA mission, leveraging Stratolaunch’s former Virgin Orbit 747 for reusable hypersonic test activity.

2026-05-21T12:39:25.249024-07:00

MDA tests hypersonics from Stratolaunch using ex-Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 and Talon-A3

Breaking Defense

Netherlands seeks more JASSM for F-35 after 2024 LOA; flags ASW frigate delivery delay The Netherlands is opening talks to acquire additional JASSM deep-strike capability for its F-35 force, following a 2024 Letter of Offer and Acceptance between The Hague and Washington. Separately, it disclosed a delay in delivery of an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate, underscoring shifting timelines across air and maritime procurement.

2026-05-21T06:23:58.776629-07:00

Netherlands seeks more JASSM for F-35 after 2024 LOA; flags ASW frigate delivery delay

Bloomberg

US Space Force missile-alert satellite program flagged as among lowest performers, with risk of mission-critical defects An unreleased Space Force service report says the new global missile-attack alert satellite system was “one of the lowest performing” programs last year and could develop “mission-critical defects” after being placed into orbit.

2026-05-21T03:24:22.543931-07:00

US Space Force missile-alert satellite program flagged as among lowest performers, with risk of mission-critical defects

FlightGlobal

DRDO’s ULPGM-V3 clears final trials for drone-launched precision in air-to-ground and air-to-air roles India’s DRDO has completed final configuration development trials for its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3), validating the weapon in both air-to-ground and air-to-air combat modes. Trials were conducted near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, as New Delhi positions the system as an indigenous drone-warfare capability for precision engagements against ground and air targets.

2026-05-20T20:24:35.498414-07:00

DRDO’s ULPGM-V3 clears final trials for drone-launched precision in air-to-ground and air-to-air roles

FlightGlobal

Shield AI selected Hivemind to pilot LUCAS one-way attack drones with collaborative swarm autonomy Shield AI says the Defense Department selected its Hivemind agentic AI software to serve as the autonomy “pilot” for LUCAS Kamikaze one-way drones. The test demonstration later this year targets swarming 10 or more munitions operating collaboratively under the LUCAS program.

2026-05-20T08:54:31.817627-07:00

Shield AI selected Hivemind to pilot LUCAS one-way attack drones with collaborative swarm autonomy

defence-industry.eu

US Global Strike Command conducts May 20 unarmed Minuteman III ICBM system-reliability test from Vandenberg Air Force Global Strike Command launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base on May 20 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific, conducting a test flight to verify the ICBM force’s health and readiness and confirm system reliability.

2026-05-20T03:09:58.809814-07:00

US Global Strike Command conducts May 20 unarmed Minuteman III ICBM system-reliability test from Vandenberg

Defense Scoop

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Space Force confirms Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo as SDA director and names him PAE for missile warning/tracking The Space Development Agency has named Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo its permanent director, effective May 11, ending his acting role that began last September. In parallel, Space Force designated him as the Portfolio Acquisition Executive overseeing missile warning and tracking programs under the new acquisition structure.

2026-05-19T13:25:44.979344-07:00

Space Force confirms Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo as SDA director and names him PAE for missile warning/tracking

FlightGlobal

Indonesia inducts Rafale fighters, A400M MRTT airlifter and Falcon 8X in Jakarta On May 18, Indonesia’s Air Force (TNI-AU) formally accepted and inducted a new batch of aircraft at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, including six Dassault Rafale (four two-seat and two single-seat) plus an Airbus A400M MRTT and four Falcon 8X jets. The handover also showcased integration-ready combat capability with Meteor and AASM Hammer weapons.

2026-05-18T22:24:06.519735-07:00

Indonesia inducts Rafale fighters, A400M MRTT airlifter and Falcon 8X in Jakarta

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Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons News

MDA tests hypersonics from Stratolaunch using ex-Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 and Talon-A3

US Space Force missile-alert satellite program flagged as among lowest performers, with risk of mission-critical defects

US Global Strike Command conducts May 20 unarmed Minuteman III ICBM system-reliability test from Vandenberg

Space Force confirms Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo as SDA director and names him PAE for missile warning/tracking

News Timeline