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Payload • Rachael Zisk

Pentagon selects Varda, Stratolaunch for MACH-TB Task Area 3 reusable hypersonic test flights

The Pentagon last week awarded Task Area 3 contracts under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program to Varda Space Industries and Stratolaunch. Task Area 3 funds development of reusable flight concepts to support more frequent, lower-cost hypersonic missile test flights.

2026-01-26T05:07:21.216789-08:00

Reuters

Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris Missile Solutions to scale solid‑rocket motor production ahead of 2026 IPO

2026-01-13T03:15:43.320245-08:00

FlightGlobal

GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin validate liquid‑fueled rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles

2026-01-14T16:50:58.507159-08:00

DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS

2026-01-15T06:56:51.641730-08:00

News Timeline

Payload

Pentagon selects Varda, Stratolaunch for MACH-TB Task Area 3 reusable hypersonic test flights The Pentagon last week awarded Task Area 3 contracts under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program to Varda Space Industries and Stratolaunch. Task Area 3 funds development of reusable flight concepts to support more frequent, lower-cost hypersonic missile test flights.

2026-01-26T05:07:21.216789-08:00

Pentagon selects Varda, Stratolaunch for MACH-TB Task Area 3 reusable hypersonic test flights

Air Data News

MBDA wins German order for additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles MBDA has won a new contract to supply additional Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles to the German Armed Forces. The award expands Germany's long-range air-to-air strike inventory and supports ongoing modernization of its fighter fleet's armament, and underlines continued European demand for MBDA's advanced missile systems.

2026-01-23T02:30:01.697564-08:00

MBDA wins German order for additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles

Bloomberg

Army again misses deadline to field first U.S. hypersonic weapon The U.S. Army has missed a self‑imposed deadline to field its first hypersonic weapon, marking another schedule slip for a top Pentagon modernization priority. The delay underscores persistent program‑management and integration challenges as U.S. services race to develop and deploy Mach‑5+ strike capabilities.

2026-01-17T07:57:27.128869-08:00

Army again misses deadline to field first U.S. hypersonic weapon

DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS Lockheed Martin has made a $50 million investment in Saildrone and will partner to equip its 20‑metre Surveyor USV with a JAGM launcher, with larger Saildrone vessels considered for Mk 70 vertical launch systems. The move aims to rapidly scale lethal unmanned maritime strike capability for the U.S. Navy.

2026-01-15T06:56:51.641730-08:00

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS

FlightGlobal

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GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin validate liquid‑fueled rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin completed a series of tests demonstrating a liquid‑fueled rotating detonation ramjet as a viable, compact propulsion option for hypersonic missiles. The campaign, the partners' first under a broader joint technology development arrangement, showed improved fuel efficiency and potential for longer‑range Mach‑5+ flight.

2026-01-14T16:50:58.507159-08:00

GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin validate liquid‑fueled rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed completes first flight test of Next‑Generation Short‑Range Interceptor (NGSRI) Lockheed Martin completed the first flight test of its Next‑Generation Short‑Range Interceptor (NGSRI) at White Sands Missile Range on Jan. 13, 2026, advancing a candidate to replace the FIM‑92 Stinger. The system uses a modular, open‑systems architecture with AI/ML‑enabled guidance; more flights are planned.

2026-01-13T10:58:03.260699-08:00

Lockheed completes first flight test of Next‑Generation Short‑Range Interceptor (NGSRI)

Reuters

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Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris Missile Solutions to scale solid‑rocket motor production ahead of 2026 IPO The Department of Defense will make a $1 billion equity investment in L3Harris's Missile Solutions unit via a convertible preferred security, supporting a spin‑off that will scale production of solid rocket motors for guided weapons and space systems. The standalone company is slated for an IPO in H2 2026.

2026-01-13T03:15:43.320245-08:00

Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris Missile Solutions to scale solid‑rocket motor production ahead of 2026 IPO

The Hill

Russia says it used nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile against Ukraine Russia said it launched the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile against targets in Ukraine, framing the strike as retaliation for a Ukrainian drone attack and drawing immediate international attention. Moscow presented the launch as the operational employment of a strategic, nuclear-capable delivery system.

2026-01-11T10:53:41.768671-08:00

Russia says it used nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile against Ukraine

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Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons News

Pentagon selects Varda, Stratolaunch for MACH-TB Task Area 3 reusable hypersonic test flights

Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris Missile Solutions to scale solid‑rocket motor production ahead of 2026 IPO

GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin validate liquid‑fueled rotating detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS

News Timeline