Opinion Lockheed may have had a hypersonic capable aircraft since 2017 but was not getting traction with the US government till 2021.

[PEB]

US was at the time much like Maverick the movie felt autonomous lower cost Mach 3 to Mach 5 engines vs above Mach 6 advanced fighter. During 2018 it was all but being self funded due to President Trumps interest in reducing advance engine and aircraft spending. But now it seems like all but give us a workable test platform due to increased spending into military research at the end of Trumps term and the beginning of Biden term. Calling it now Global Strike program and the now information being leaked out now.