Starfighters Space Secures $6.9 Billion Defense Investment to Propel Hypersonic Technology Development
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy FJET?
Source: Globenewswire
- Defense Investment Acceleration: The U.S. Department of Defense's commitment of over $6.9 billion for hypersonic weapons development in FY 2025 drives demand for hypersonic technology, with the market projected to reach $8.46 billion by 2025, highlighting the urgent pursuit of speed superiority.
- Market Demand Growth: Global commercial space launch services are expected to reach $8.2 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 14.6%, reflecting strong demand from satellite operators for rapid deployment and mission flexibility, further enhancing Starfighters' market opportunities.
- Unique Technology: Starfighters Space operates the world's only commercial fleet capable of sustained MACH 2 flight with seven F-104 Starfighter aircraft, providing reusable first-stage launches that offer flexible scheduling and rapid turnaround, catering to customer needs for specific orbital destinations.
- Strategic Partnerships: Starfighters' collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory for hypersonic weapons testing establishes its critical role in national security while offering diverse services such as payload testing and microgravity experiments, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
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Analyst Views on FJET
About FJET
Starfighters Space, Inc. operates the commercial fleet of flight-ready F-104 supersonic aircraft (Lockheed F-104). The Lockheed F-104 is developed as a supersonic aircraft for the United States Armed Forces. Supersonic flights capable of flying at MACH 2 with air-launch rockets in development through the Starfighters STARLAUNCH program. The Lockheed F-104 also performed many safety chase missions in support of advanced research aircraft and provided a launch platform for sounding rockets. The Company organizes its services into various categories: historical services and new services. Its historical services include pilot and astronaut training, launch services and access to space, and in-flight testing. Its new services include launch services and access to space (commercial, academic, civil and government clients), and airborne testbed for hypersonic research and development (R&D) and test and evaluation (T&E) test bed (commercial, academic, civil and government).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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