U.S. Strategic Command
10/09/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Air Force tests unarmed ICBM reentry vehicle with Minotaur launch
An unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle was tested this morning after being launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard a Minotaur I rocket. The launch was an in-flight environmental test supporting the development of the Air Force's new Mk21A RV.
The Mk21A RV is currently under contract with Lockheed Martin for its engineering and manufacturing development phase. After attaining full operational capability, the Mk21A RV will be integrated on a future intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Mk21A RV test unit was launched aboard a Minotaur I rocket provided by Northrop Grumman and overseen by the U.S. Space Force's Rocket Systems Launch Program. Minotaur launch vehicles support testing and demonstration of new payload technologies in operationally realistic environments.
"The Mk21A is crucial to modernizing our ICBMs in response to the rapidly changing global threat picture posed by our adversaries," said Maj. Gen. William Rogers, Air Force portfolio acquisition executive for ICBMs and AFNWC director of ICBM systems. "The reentry vehicle's development will ensure a safe, secure and effective deterrent for generations to come."
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is the lead for the Air Force's Mk21A reentry vehicle's acquisition effort. The center is responsible for synchronizing all aspects of nuclear materiel management on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command in direct support of Air Force Global Strike Command.
"Investment in modernization of the ICBM mission remains a top priority for the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. General Amanda Okeson, program manager, AFNWC ICBM Systems Directorate.
For questions regarding the launch or Vandenberg Space Force Base range operations, contact Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or [email protected].
For questions regarding the Mk21A reentry vehicle or its test mission, contact AFNWC Public Affairs at [email protected].
The Mk21A RV is currently under contract with Lockheed Martin for its engineering and manufacturing development phase. After attaining full operational capability, the Mk21A RV will be integrated on a future intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Mk21A RV test unit was launched aboard a Minotaur I rocket provided by Northrop Grumman and overseen by the U.S. Space Force's Rocket Systems Launch Program. Minotaur launch vehicles support testing and demonstration of new payload technologies in operationally realistic environments.
"The Mk21A is crucial to modernizing our ICBMs in response to the rapidly changing global threat picture posed by our adversaries," said Maj. Gen. William Rogers, Air Force portfolio acquisition executive for ICBMs and AFNWC director of ICBM systems. "The reentry vehicle's development will ensure a safe, secure and effective deterrent for generations to come."
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is the lead for the Air Force's Mk21A reentry vehicle's acquisition effort. The center is responsible for synchronizing all aspects of nuclear materiel management on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command in direct support of Air Force Global Strike Command.
"Investment in modernization of the ICBM mission remains a top priority for the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. General Amanda Okeson, program manager, AFNWC ICBM Systems Directorate.
For questions regarding the launch or Vandenberg Space Force Base range operations, contact Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or [email protected].
For questions regarding the Mk21A reentry vehicle or its test mission, contact AFNWC Public Affairs at [email protected].
U.S. Strategic Command published this content on October 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 13, 2026 at 16:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]