Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Aviation Week • Brian Everstine

U.S. Army says it is weeks from fielding first Long Range Hypersonic Weapon battery

The U.S. Army says it is weeks from fielding the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), with senior officials calling the service “very close” to operationalizing its first hypersonic battery. That claim contrasts with recent Pentagon assessments that more testing is needed before deployment.

Also: Defense Daily
2026-03-17T15:49:45.571867-07:00
North America   Airports   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Policy  
NEW
Associated Press • Freida Frisaro

FBI: Suspicious package containing possible energetic materials found at MacDill Air Force Base

By Associated Press: The FBI says a suspicious package found at MacDill Air Force Base contains possible energetic materials, and the investigation is ongoing.

Also: abcnews.com, The Independent and orlandosentinel.com
2026-03-18T14:39:49.011104-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

USAF Special Operations Issues RFI for One‑Way 'Kamikaze' Attack Drones

By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Air Force wants small one-way attack drones for its special operations forces, according to an Air Force Request for Information.

Also: Military Times and news.ssbcrack.com
2026-03-18T13:35:27.250925-07:00
Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
NEW
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights

By SpaceNews.com: Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights.

Also: Seeking Alpha and rnz.co.nz
2026-03-18T15:12:21.968064-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

USAF to cut MQ-9 Reaper combat lines to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity

By DefenseNews.com: The Air Force plans to drop from 60 to 56 MQ-9 Reaper combat lines in fiscal 2022 as the U.S. military decreases its presence in the Middle East.

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