# Air Force Tests Mk21A at Vandenberg

On October 9, the U.S. Air Force completed an unarmed in-flight environmental test of the Mk21A reentry vehicle using a Minotaur I rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The test supports Mk21A development for potential integration with the future Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. Lockheed Martin holds the Mk21A engineering and manufacturing development contract, and Northrop Grumman supplied the launch vehicle; the signals announce no new award or solicitation and provide no contract value or number.

- The test marks a development milestone for the Mk21A and provides a point of reference for contractors assessing potential downstream development, test, and integration work related to ICBM modernization.
- Suppliers should distinguish this completed test from an open procurement: no new competition, funding amount, or proposal deadline is identified in the signals.
- Contractors supporting Lockheed Martin’s Mk21A development or Northrop Grumman’s launch activity can assess whether their capabilities align with future program testing and integration needs.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC)
- U.S. Space Force Rocket Systems Launch Program

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (Engineering and manufacturing development contractor for the Mk21A)
- Northrop Grumman (Minotaur I launch vehicle provider)

### Sources
- [
	Air Force tests unarmed ICBM reentry vehicle with Minotaur launch > U.S. Strategic Command > News Article View
](https://www.stratcom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/4624410/air-force-tests-unarmed-icbm-reentry-vehicle-with-minotaur-launch/) - US
- [Air Force Tests Unarmed ICBM Reentry Vehicle - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/air-force-tests-unarmed-icbm-reentry-vehicle/nuclear-modernization) - Defense Daily