The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has successfully completed a flight test of a short-range air-launched target (SRALT) at the US Naval Air Warfare Center in California, US.

The flight test, designated FTX-17, successfully demonstrated an upgraded air launch and umbilical pull separation system, which had been redesigned to correct problems identified during previous tests.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The SRALT missile was deployed from a US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft over the Pacific Ocean and the target missile’s flight was successfully tracked by several missile defence sensors.

The flight test also demonstrated the capabilities of several emerging missile defence technologies that include two space-tracking surveillance system (STSS) demonstration satellites, C2BMC, ESL, NFIRE and the ABIR programme.

The flight information gathered from the radars indicated that data collection objectives were met.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact