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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins $190M DoD award for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches

Rocket Lab won a $190 million DoD contract for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches — the largest single launch award in its history. The deal raises Rocket Lab's launch backlog above 70 missions and pushes total backlog across launch and space systems past $2 billion.

2026-03-18T15:12:21.968064-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

2026-03-18T13:05:06.439737-07:00

DefenseNews.com

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity

2026-03-18T13:05:06.094289-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base

2026-03-18T12:44:26.856314-07:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

Rocket Lab wins $190M DoD award for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches Rocket Lab won a $190 million DoD contract for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches — the largest single launch award in its history. The deal raises Rocket Lab's launch backlog above 70 missions and pushes total backlog across launch and space systems past $2 billion.

2026-03-18T15:12:21.968064-07:00

Rocket Lab wins $190M DoD award for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches

DefenseNews.com

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief Biden will nominate Andrew Hunter as the Air Force's acquisition chief. Hunter is known in Washington as a low-key professional and a true expert on defense acquisition; the role places him over the service's procurement portfolio and major weapons programs.

2026-03-18T13:05:06.439737-07:00

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

DefenseNews.com

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity The U.S. Air Force will reduce MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 in FY2022, reallocating budget to next‑generation fighter development as it scales back forces in the Middle East. The cut lowers available persistent ISR and strike capacity during the transition.

2026-03-18T13:05:06.094289-07:00

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity

DefenseNews.com

Tyndall rebuild could halt in May as Air Force funding runs out amid delayed disaster supplemental The Air Force warns reconstruction at Tyndall AFB may stop in May as funds it has been reprogramming to cover rebuilding at Tyndall and Offutt are nearly exhausted, after Congress delayed a supplemental appropriation for natural disaster recovery. The service has been shifting internal money but now faces a budget shortfall.

2026-03-18T12:44:26.935126-07:00

Tyndall rebuild could halt in May as Air Force funding runs out amid delayed disaster supplemental

DefenseNews.com

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base The U.S. Air Force will place its first operational B-21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base, with Whiteman and Dyess AFBs slated to receive aircraft as they become available. The basing plan sets the initial order of fielding for the service's next‑generation stealth bomber.

2026-03-18T12:44:26.856314-07:00

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base

DefenseNews.com

Morocco cleared for massive F-16 fighter buy Morocco has been cleared to purchase a major package of U.S.-made F-16 fighters and associated defence equipment, marking a significant planned increase in Rabat’s spending on American military hardware. The approval signals deeper U.S.-Morocco military ties and a sizable potential Foreign Military Sale.

2026-03-18T12:44:26.273179-07:00

Morocco cleared for massive F-16 fighter buy

DefenseNews.com

Air Force chief urges acceptance of program risk in next budget to avoid 'budget paranoia' The Air Force's senior uniformed leader said the service must accept program risk in its next budget request to prevent 'budget paranoia' that could undermine force modernization and readiness. He said constrained choices, not risk aversion, are necessary to preserve critical capabilities.

2026-03-18T10:54:45.744768-07:00

Air Force chief urges acceptance of program risk in next budget to avoid 'budget paranoia'

Bloomberg

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France names next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier 'France Libre' President Emmanuel Macron announced France's next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be named France Libre (Free France), casting it as a symbol of independence and military power. The two‑reactor, roughly 80,000‑ton warship is part of a €10.2 billion programme to replace the Charles de Gaulle.

2026-03-18T10:29:04.272055-07:00

France names next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier 'France Libre'

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Defense Budgets & Spending News

Rocket Lab wins $190M DoD award for 20 HASTE hypersonic test launches

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base

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