# Air Force Tests Mk21A at Vandenberg Space Force Base

The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin completed an unarmed developmental flight test of the Mk21A reentry vehicle at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The program supports the Sentinel ICBM and is progressing toward its system-level critical design review; test data will inform design updates and future testing. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor under a contract valued at more than $1 billion, and the Air Force awarded a $454 million program modification in November 2025. No new solicitation or award was announced.

- The completed test signals continued program activity and demand for strategic-systems engineering, testing, and integration capabilities, but does not represent a newly available procurement.
- Contractors with relevant capabilities can use the program’s ongoing design and test work to assess potential subcontracting or supplier alignment with Lockheed Martin; the signal identifies no specific open opportunity or submission deadline.
- Government procurement teams and industry stakeholders should distinguish this test milestone from a contract action: the reported $454 million modification dates to November 2025.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Building on flight data from our prior tests, we are directly translating real-world experience into program momentum, ensuring the Mk21A reentry vehicle delivers uncompromised performance for the Air Force.
> — Jason Watson, Vice President of Strategic Reentry Programs at Lockheed Martin

### Sources
- [Lockheed Martin, Air Force Complete Mk21A Flight Test](https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/lockheed-air-force-mk21a-reentry-vehicle-flight-test) - ExecutiveBiz