Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Stars and Stripes • Gary Warner

USAF conducts scheduled Minuteman III test flight carrying multiple reentry vehicles

The U.S. Air Force conducted a scheduled test flight of a Minuteman III ICBM carrying multiple reentry vehicles to collect engineering data on the missile’s accuracy and reliability. Air Force Global Strike Command said the launch was planned years in advance and not prompted by current world events.

2026-03-05T14:12:11.230714-08:00
Satellite   AI   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Associated Press

Satellite imagery and US-Israeli analysis indicate deadly strike on Iranian school likely a US airstrike

By Associated Press: Satellite images and videos of an Iranian girls school damaged by large explosions at the start of a U.S.

Also: Military.com, Sky News, The Independent and aa.com.tr
2026-03-06T11:20:36.512110-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   ATC   Aviation Safety & Regulation  
Reuters

Pentagon, FAA to conduct testing on high-energy anti-drone laser system in New Mexico

By Reuters: The Pentagon said on Friday it will conduct testing with the Federal Aviation Administration this weekend in New Mexico of high-energy laser used to address threatening drones.

2026-03-06T11:39:28.229154-08:00
AI   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

Merlin Labs Completes Preliminary Design Review for C-130J Autonomy Software

By Aviation Week: Merlin Labs announced the completion of a preliminary design review for an autonomy software package for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules on March 5.

Also: Aviation Week and aeromorning.com
2026-03-05T16:32:47.324228-08:00
Supply Chain   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Reuters

Switzerland trims F‑35A order to 30 jets amid cost increases, requests CHF 394m extra credit

By Reuters: Switzerland now expects to purchase around 30 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, six fewer than initially projected, because of cost increases in the order, the government said on Friday.

Also: DefenseNews.com, Aviation Week, defence-industry.eu, spacewar.com, defence-blog.com and spacewar.com
2026-03-06T06:54:51.375903-08:00